Last year, an ice storm swept through northern Michigan leaving hundreds of miles of debris scattered across the region. Officials now say it could lead to an elevated risk of wildfires this spring as a large portion of the debris hasn't been fully cleaned up. The ice storm impacted approximately 3 million acres across the region, according to MLive.
Many land owners WCMU has talked to over the last several months have said it will take years to finish cleaning up all the debris left on their properties.
"It looks like we're okay on moisture, but again, that can quickly change with the type of soils and stuff we have up here," Nicole Sprinkles, meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Gaylord, said. "There is kind of, more of an elevated concern and we are talking with our partners and emergency managers about that."
The Michigan DNR said it responded to 31 wildfires across the state on Monday, ranging from small brush fires to one that was 124 acres near Mio in the Huron-Manistee National Forest.
On April 29, the U.S. Department of Agriculture released a new Secretarial Memorandum. It directs the U.S. Forest Service to heighten national wildfire readiness and accelerate community-focused risk reduction. Michigan is home to three national forests, including the Ottawa, Huron-Manistee and Hiawatha national forests.
"This memorandum ensures the entire Department is aligned, prepared and focused on responding quickly and effectively to protect communities and the natural resources Americans depend on," Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins said in a press release.
Most of Michigan's wildfires occur in the spring, between April and June, according to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.
Some residents may resort to burning their debris, but this can lead to dangerous outcomes, the DNR said. Nearly 27% of wildfires are caused by debris burning.
"If there is an elevated fire risk, maybe consider burning for a different day because the winds could be elevated and that could potentially create a spreading kind of fire," Sprinkles said.
Sprinkles said Michiganders can stay aware by checking the NWS website to be aware if there's any warnings or burn restrictions.
The potential risk has lead to some already making plans. Patrick King lives in Gaylord and has two wildfire escape plans, if needed, one by car and another by canoe.
"If we can drive out, that would be good," King said. "On the other hand, we are also on a small lake so if we have, say, a wind direction from the northwest, bringing the fire from that direction towards our house, we can jump in our canoe and get across the lake."
King said his house is surrounded by trees and that debris in the area from the ice storm would be "easy fuel."
The National Park Service says 85% of wildfires are started by humans.
