NATIONAL CITY – A prescribed burn by the United States Forest Service April 23 raced past the boundaries of the burn area, eventually scorching more than 5,600 acres of federal land, up to and including the area around Lumberman’s Monument, part of the Huron Shores Ranger District of the Huron-Manistee National Forests.
Firefighters from across the region assisted with the fire on the ground and in the air, through choppers with “snorkels” on them used to pick up water from the AuSable River.
Forest service officials reported that more than 60 residences were evacuated, but there was no loss to property or serious injuries. Officials said burned areas are prone to rolling debris and burned-out stump holes. Under wet conditions, ash and needles can also make trails slippery, so be careful when visiting the area upon containment of the fire.
Kelli Lehman of Oscoda said the community was fortunate things weren’t worse, and credited area firefighters, including the Oscoda Fire Department, of which her dad, Darryl Vollmers, is a volunteer. “(We are) so thankful for the community we have that came together today … (We’re) forever grateful for all the hard-working fire fighters and emergency personnel that stepped up today to make sure the fire didn’t reach our town.”
