Extra staff and equipment ready to go in dry weather
CADILLAC -- The U.S. Forest Service office in Cadillac is keeping high numbers of personnel and equipment on call as dry and windy weather continue. April is typically the peak time of year for wildfires in Northern Michigan and staff at the Forest Service say they'll be ready if more fires ignite.
This year, a helicopter and crew have been brought in from the Salmon-Challis National Forest in Idaho to assist local crews. The helicopter will allow the Forest Service to detect fires, bring in water, and coordinate fire-fighting efforts. Forest Service staff are stationed around northern Michigan's forests along with bulldozers, pumpers, water tanks, and other equipment, to quickly contain a wildfire.
Prescribed burns are being done to keep any potential wildfires from getting out of control. Burns are done when weather conditions allow them to be done safely. Fire lines are created around selected areas with Forest Service personnel, fire fighters, and firefighting equipment on site. Fires are set within the control lines to clear the area of dry grass, leaves, sticks, and other ground fuels. The fires are monitored and then extinguished when the objective is reached. Prescribed burns not only reduce flammable materials in forests, but also add nutrients to the soil, removes invasive species, and encourages new native plants to grow.
Dave Newhouse, a forest wildlife biologist with the Forest Service, says you can protect your home from wild fire by making sure there are no flammable materials within 30 feet of the building. Clearing out "ladder fuels" like low-hanging tree branches can keep fire from spreading upward into trees. Using caution when burning debris and properly extinguishing campfires can keep them from getting out of control.
Newhouse says this season so far has been a busy one. This past weekend, the Forest Service handled 9 fires after 5 were reported on Friday. Newhouse says all of the fires were caused by human activity. The main causes were campfires and the burning of debris in dry weather conditions.
Burn permits are required by the DNR when conditions are safe for burning. Visit the Michigan Department of Natural Resources to find out if burning is allowed in your area or to obtain a burn permit.
