ROSCOMMON — State firefighters in Northern Michigan preparing for wildfire season, and they are warning that this year could especially problematic.
Firefighters with the DNR spent the day conducting their spring fire tactics training at the Ralph A MacMullan Conference Center in Roscommon.
They said this year has firefighters bracing for the worst.
Public information officer with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Laurie Abel said with they train every spring all over Michigan to get ready for wildfire season.
“We need to be able to prepare for this season versus last season. They’re not always the same. Our winters are different. Our springs are different. The weather predictions are different,” said Abel.
She said there are concerns this year about long-lasting effects from debris and fallen wood from the ice storms.
“We’re really looking at what are we prepared for? What are the conditions? What’s this spring looking like and how much deadfall do we really have on the ground? Where are we looking at?,” said Abel.
Jeff Vasher with the DNR Forest Resources Division said they are worried all of the debris from the storms still hanging around, could fuel some intense wildfires this year.
“It’s going to put a lot of fuel on the ground this year. Everything’s going to be dead. So, you know, your 5 to 10 acre fires, if we get a fire there is going to be ten or 20 to 40 acre fires,” said Vasher.
They are also worried about the debris hampering their efforts to fight wildfires.
“Access is going to be a problem. You know, we still have roads that aren’t open yet. So getting into the fire, it’s going to be hard,” said Vasher.
He said there were 315 wildfires in the state last year, with 270 in Northern Michigan.
Vasher said those numbers are down from their usual averages because of weather and because the fallen debris was still fresh and green, not dried out like it is now.
“Usually we’re like close to 400 but it’s just it was so wet last year in the spring, you know, from the ice,” said Vasher.
“If you’re burning, if you can wait till greens up, you know, like towards June there. Wait for that or wait, you know, make sure the burn permit systems are, and if you’re going to burn, you know, stick with small piles, have a hose with you, a shovel, and then just be careful when you burn and don’t burn on windy days,” said Vasher.
He said if you plan to burn to get rid of debris, burning is best with snow still on the ground. He also had these tips to share.
Vasher said there are also alternatives to burning.
“You can haul it to a compost pile. Landfill, if they would take it. You know, some of these counties have places to take brush, you know, that you can take,” said Vasher.
He said wildfires are 90 % preventable. You can be ticketed and/or charged with the hefty cost of putting out a fire.
Vasher said this will be a concern not just this year but for years to come.