From Michigan History
September 5, 1881 Forest fires race across the Thumb.
The summer of 1881 was exceptionally hot and dry. Although forest fires were an annual occurrence in Michigan, none rivaled those that engulfed the Thumb in early September. Several days of fires and smoke left 282 people dead and 3,400 buildings destroyed. Massive relief efforts prompted the American Red Cross to respond. It was the first domestic crisis for the newly organized aid association.
