Land
An uncommon wildfire season is exceeding averages
|
By Gabriel S. Martinez
Capital News Service
An unusually busy fall fire season in Michigan has produced more than double the seasonal wildfires originally anticipated so far. About 100 prescribed burns are scheduled on both state and federal land for next year to help reduce damage from future wildfires. According to the state Department of Natural Resources, dry debris is the main cause of wildfires this year, contributing to about 58 more wildfires and 255 more acres burned in September and October than the usual fall average. Jeff Vasher, a DNR fire specialist, said the lack of moisture is a factor in the high number of wildfires. The Ottawa National Forest in the Upper Peninsula reported that the Summit Lake wildfire, started by dry wood underneath the forest floor on Oct.