GLADSTONE — The Upper Peninsula Fire Management Unit plans to burn slash piles on the Hiawatha and Ottawa National Forests this fall and winter that were generated from forest thinning and timber sales. Thinning projects improve forest health and wildlife habitat and reduce the risk of wildfire near private residences and infrastructure. Slash from these projects is piled and burned to remove debris that could fuel wildfire.

Pile burning will begin as early as this month, when there is sufficient snow or rain present to prevent fire spread, and will continue as long as conditions allow, possibly through April of 2024. Firefighters will ignite piles and monitor burning activities while heat is present. These activities should not affect public access or use of the forest.

During active burning, smoke and flames may be visible from roads and in areas downwind of the burn site. Smoke may settle in some areas in the evening hours. Ignition days and times will be adjusted to avoid smoke sensitive areas.