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We are sharing the following news release, issued today by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, because we believe it will be of interest to many of our subscribers:
Bureau of Indian Affairs - U.S. Department of Interior (www.bia.gov/nifc/)
Bureau of Indian Affairs, Wildland Fire Management News Release
Contact: Robyn Broyles, 208-387-5473
August 12, 2016
Poverty Lake Fire Reaches 60% Containment
FAYETTE, Mich. – The Poverty Island Wildfire, burning since late June on the 200 square-acre island off Michigan’s Garden Peninsula in Lake Michigan, is 60% contained.
The Fire ignited June 26th from a lightning strike. Since that time, firefighters have been working to contain the 127 acre fire to the northern reaches of the island in order to protect a historic lighthouse and two associated buildings.
After a successful burnout operation earlier this week that helped reduce the amount of vegetation on the ground, firefighters have successfully protected the lighthouse, which sits on the southern tip of the island.
Over the next week, 12 firefighters from the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Fish and Wildlife Service and Forest Service will be extinguishing hot spots near the fire’s edge to secure the perimeter and to ensure the fire does not grow in size. Rain and high humidity settling in will moderate fire behavior and assist firefighters with their work.
Given the very thick timber and deep peat the fire is burning in, reaching full containment will be a slow process. It is expected to smolder until sustained wetting rain, snow and moisture puts the fire out midwinter.
On hot, dry windy days, smoke may become visible as the fire torches standing dead trees in the fire’s interior. If this occurs, high winds aloft may push smoke far distances that may be observed inland.
Due to the remote location and the risks associated with putting firefighters onto an island with poor radio communication, firefighters will be monitoring the fire by air. If conditions require firefighters to access the fire area in the future, they will cautiously.
Apostle Islands National Lakeshore rangers are providing transportation to the island. Access to the island will be dependent upon the conditions of the lake.
This will be a final update until significant fire activity occurs. Fire information can be accessed at: http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/4936/.
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state’s natural and cultural resources for current and future generations. For more information, go to www.michigan.gov/dnr.
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