Burns planned for 2026 in Hiawatha National Forest include areas near Schaawe Lake, Indian River, Au Train and more. As dates are scheduled and approach, residents may expect to see signs and find some areas closed. Planned also but not shown are parts of forests to the east and west. (Map courtesy of

ESCANABA — Once conditions are appropriate, the National Forest intends to conduct controlled burns in 10,082 acres of Hiawatha National Forest and 1,143 in Ottawa National Forest.

“We use prescribed fires to help reduce overgrown vegetation to help protect local communities, infrastructure and natural resources from wildfires,” wrote the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), of which the Forest Service is part, in a press release.

Pending all required approvals, the Upper Peninsula Fire and Aviation Management Unit is planning for the burns to take place in the spring, summer and autumn of 2026 in 14 units of Ottawa National Forest, which is in the western end of the U.P., and 44 units of Hiawatha National Forest, which covers a nearly 900,000-acre portion of the central U.P. in Alger, Delta and Schoolcraft Counties.

Though burning over 10,000 acres in Hiawatha may sound like a lot, it’s just over 1% of the land. And even if the permits all go through, not all the scheduled areas may be reached this year; the projects are weather-dependent.

“Burn plans consider temperature, humidity, wind, moisture of the vegetation, and conditions for the dispersal of smoke,” states the Forest Service. “Units that do not experience conducive conditions this season will be postponed.”

Low- to moderate-intensity fires help native species succeed as they clear out brush, leaf litter, invasives and unhealthy plants from the understory. (Photo courtesy of United States Department of Agriculture)

Strategic burns are done for the health of the forests, and Native Americans practiced them for centuries. Some species of tree have shown to thrive better when exposed to regular fires. But it took colonists some time to figure that out.

“Until the end of the 20th century, many conservationists believed all types of fire were harmful to forest health, leading to decades of intense fire suppression,” explains the National Forest Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. “But as ecologists and foresters have gained a better understanding of the important role fire plays in maintaining forest ecosystems, prescribed fires have become more common.”

By clearing out understory density, low- to moderate-intensity fires reduces competition from invasive species, promoting biodiversity. As it eliminates fuel sources such as shrubs and leaf litter, prescribed burning helps keep nearby residents safe from out-of-control wildfires.

As opposed to destructive, high-intensity fires, controlled burns help trees grow healthier.

“Trees that grow too close together compete for resources, making them more susceptible to disease, insect infestations, drought, and severe wildfires. Low- to moderate-intensity fire helps reduce density by removing the weakest trees, returns nutrients to the soil, and makes the remaining trees more resilient,” says the National Forest Foundation.

The Forest Service estimates that the areas slated for burns in 2026 should be reached between spring and autumn. While an exact schedule is not yet known, local residents and visitors should expect to see signs.

“We will notify county emergency management officials when burning begins,” stated the Forest Service’s release. “Those areas may close to the public for several days for public safety. Watch for warning signs along roads near all prescribed fire areas before and during burns.”

People may keep apprised of the prescribed burn plan by visiting inciweb.wildfire.gov. To receive notifications about burns in their vicinity, residents may contact their local Ranger District office. In Gladstone, the number is 906-428-5800; the Rapid River/Manistique Ranger District number is 906-474-6442.