Grand Traverse County Emergency Management

10/05/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Please see below (or attached) regarding scheduled upcoming work from DTE Upcoming Natural Gas Pipeline Work Will Produce Visible Flare and “Rotten Egg” Odor

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DTE Energy is making natural gas pipeline upgrades in Traverse City to keep the community’s service safe and reliable. As part of this work, crews are scheduled to conduct a controlled gas flare on Tuesday, Oct. 6, beginning around 8:30 a.m. and lasting until approximately 3 p.m.

During this routine process, odorant will be injected into the new gas main near Eighth St. and Hastings St. Crews will then conduct a controlled flare operation in the northwest corner of the TC Central High School parking lot, near Eastern Ave. and Milliken St. The flare may be visible to nearby residents and businesses and may be accompanied by a slight “rotten egg” odor and low roaring sound. This is a routine procedure, and natural gas service will not be interrupted. Traffic control will be in place near the two main work areas, but no road closures or detours are expected.

The odorant will remain in the pipe for about one week, with crews expected to purge the remaining gas/odorant from the line on or around Tuesday, Oct. 13, using a second, shorter flare operation.

If you have general or non-emergency questions about the work, call (616) 632-2620, Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. As always, if you believe you detect a natural gas leak at your property, leave the area immediately, call 911, then call DTE’s dedicated natural gas leak hotline at (800) 947-5000.

10/02/2026

09/28/2026

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09/22/2026

Please see below for an update from the Grand Traverse County Health Department

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

September 22, 2026

UPDATE: Grand Traverse County Health Department Response to the USAF F-16 Crash

Grand Traverse County Health Department (GTCHD) continues to work with local, state, and federal partners following the F-16 crash in Green Lake Township near County Road 633 and Jeffery Place on September 17, 2026.

The immediate risks to health associated with this event, such as explosion hazards and smoke inhalation, have ended. There is no indication that drinking water has been affected. Residents can continue to use their water for drinking, cooking, and bathing as normal. GTCHD and its partners continue to evaluate available data and are working with federal partners to learn more about cleanup and other next steps. Public health teams are also speaking directly with residents in the immediate crash zone to answer their specific questions and concerns related to their proximity to the crash site.

We continue to recommend that people not touch any dust, ash, debris, or other material from the crash.

These recommendations may change as environmental testing provides more information. For questions or concerns about your health, please call the health department's hotline at 231-995-6800. Voicemails will be monitored.

09/22/2026

Grand Traverse County Health Department continues to work closely with local, state, and federal partners in response to the recent F-16 crash.

Please adhere to the following safety guidance and resources:
•Do Not Touch Debris. Residents are reminded not to touch, move, or disturb any materials or debris from the crash site.
•Dedicated Hotline. A monitored hotline is available at 231-995-6800 to address your questions and concerns.
•Ongoing Updates. We will continue to share information as it becomes available.

09/18/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

September 18, 2026

Grand Traverse County Health Department Response to the USAF F-16 Crash Grand Traverse County Health Department is working with local, state, and federal partners following the F-16 crash in Green Lake Township near County Road 633 and Jeffery Place on September 17, 2026. If you were affected by the home evacuation on September 17th, and emergency response officials have cleared you to return to your home, it remains safe for you to be home and use your well water as you normally would. This statement is based on the information that the health department has at this time.

Do not touch any material from the crash. This includes dust, ash, debris or other materials from the crash. Taking these steps will also help you avoid accidentally ingesting dust or ash from the crash.

These recommendations may change as more information is learned from environmental testing. For questions or concerns about your health, the health department has set up a hotline at 231-995-6800, voicemails left will be monitored throughout the weekend.

09/18/2026

ALL CLEAR - The evacuation order has been lifted, and County Road 633 is now open.

Residents may now return to their homes near the plane crash site.

Some residents of the Glacier Pond subdivision will not be able to drive to their homes at this time. You may park along the roadway and walk in as authorities continue to work in the area.

Residents who cannot return home have been contacted by first responders directly.

Thank you for your patience and cooperation as first responders work to keep the community safe.

09/17/2026

UPDATE: ALL CLEAR - The evacuation order has been lifted, and this shelter is now closed.

A Shelter is being established at Kensington Church, 6880 Secor Rd. If you have evacuated and need a place to go, Kensington Church and the American Red Cross are there to assist residents.

Send a message to learn more

09/17/2026

UPDATE: ALL CLEAR - Evacuation order rescinded.

EVACUATION ORDER now in effect due to a plane crash. Evacuate within 1 mile of the site. Evacuate away from the intersection of Co Rd 633 and Jefferson Pl. Follow instructions from emergency personnel. More information to follow.

Send a message to learn more

09/17/2026

CANCELLED

SHELTER IN PLACE order in effect for County Rd 633 From Jefferson PL to Blair Townhall Rd due to plane crash. Shelter indoors, close windows/vents. Follow instructions from emergency personnel. More information to follow. This shelter in place applies to residents in the indicated area ONLY.

Send a message to learn more