Sad to see when a fire hits one of our nature spots here in Michigan. (H/T Detroit News via AP)
FAIRHAVEN TOWNSHIP — A large fire that took place on Heisterman Island, less than four miles off shore from Fairhaven Township, wound up burning about one-third of the uninhabited island Tuesday evening and into Wednesday morning.
Members of the Fairhaven Township Fire Department were called out to the blaze around 5 p.m. Tuesday but had no capability to get to the fire. Members quickly responded to a good observation point to monitor the fire from shore while keeping in touch with the Department of Natural Resources’ Fire Division.
The DNR performed a fly over of Heisterman Island around 6:45 p.m.
“We provided the eyes on the ground for them,” said Fairhaven Fire Chief Roger Gothro. “(The DNR) decided to let the fire go because they were predicting rain last night, which fortunately came.”
Gothro said he went back out to check on things at 6:30 Wednesday morning and saw no signs of fire. He added that at this time, no one is sure what caused the fire.
According to the DNR, about 130 of the more than 400-acre island burned. Following another fly over of the state-owned island late Wednesday morning, officials reported that 90 percent of the fire was out with some smoldering. But it provided no threat and will soon burn out.
No residents live on Heisterman Island but the island is home to various wildlife and is frequented by hunters, anglers and campers. Gothro said they are unsure at this point whether anyone was on the island at the time of the fire.
Source: Huron Daily Tribune