REGION – Forest visitors travelling east on M-72 from Grayling to Mio will now be greeted by Smokey Bear and the current fire danger rating. As part of a cooperative effort between the USDA Forest Service and the Tri-town Volunteer Fire Department, the new fire danger sign will help residents and visitors know the current fire danger as they enter and leave the Mio village limits.
“The signs have the Forest Service and the Tri-town Volunteer Fire Department logos demonstrating our partnership. We work together suppressing wildfires, so its’s only natural we work together to suppress the spark,” commented Zone Fire Management Officer John Norton-Jensen, for the Huron-Manistee National Forests (HMNF).
The roadside sign is a reminder to be aware of the potential for a wildfire to start under any conditions. “Fires can start in Low conditions. Those fires tend to be slower and creep along the ground. They are more easily contained, controlled and extinguished rather than a fire that starts under High or Very High conditions,” said Norton-Jensen. “With forest visitors travelling east to our recreational sites, it seemed the perfect place to install the sign,” he added.
A second sign will be installed in Iosco County at the Oscoda Volunteer Fire Department on US-23. Norton-Jensen stated that he would like to expand opportunities for more partners to have signage to help tourists and residents identify the current local fire danger.
“From the time the snow melts until it settles back in, fire danger is a focus to area residents. They live with fire danger daily. Visitors from downstate might not be aware of the current fire dangers in our area, so keeping them informed helps us with our prevention efforts,” he said.
The leading causes of wildfires on the Huron Zone of the HMNF are debris burning, powerlines and abandoned campfires. “Recycling, chipping and composting yard waste can help reduce the risk of a wildfire,” said HMNF Wildfire Prevention Education and Mitigation Specialist Debra-Ann Brabazon. She added that “activities or projects that exclude any spark or open flame would be best during higher fire danger.”
Brabazon said that while powerlines contribute to wildfires, the local utility company should be notified of overhanging limbs or downed trees. Campfires and home fire pits should never be left unattended or abandoned. “Drown, stir, feel and repeat until your coals are cold to the touch. Never leave white ash in the pit or think it will burn out on its own. Campfires can hold heat for a long time, posing a potential burn risk to curious children.”
For more information on ways you can prevent wildfires check out SmokeyBear.com or readyforwildfire.org.
