1:38 p.m. EDT April 24, 2021
A prescribed fire in northeast Michigan intended to treat 1,086 acres on the Huron-Manistee National Forest escaped control Friday. The location of the prescribed was to be about four miles northeast of Hale, and south of Iargo Road between Allen and National Trout Pond Roads in Iosco County.
The goal of the project was to reduce hazardous fuels, restore ecosystem function in fire adapted vegetation, and enhance wildlife habitat. The vegetation in the planned area was Red Pine, Jack Pine and Oak forests.
In a statement on Saturday morning the Huron-Manistee National Forest said the wildfire had burned 6,100 acres. Friday night firefighters took advantage of cooler weather to make progress in constructing control lines on the perimeter. On Saturday that work will continue, aided by water-dropping helicopters.
On Friday afternoon a weather station north of the fire at Barton City recorded 9 to 14 mph winds gusting out of the west at 22 mph, while the relative humidity was in the low 20s — difficult conditions for a prescribed fire. The forecast for the area is more in favor of the firefighters. The National Weather Service predicts for Saturday southwest winds at 9 mph with relative humidity in the 40s and 50s. There is a chance of rain from late in the afternoon until midnight.
