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During the week of Mon. Jan. 6, fire staff at the Ottawa National Forest say they plan to start pile-burning operations along Dinner Lake Road, situated 10 miles southeast of Watersmeet.
The piles have matured after an additional dry season and will be burned under a blanket of snow to mitigate the risk of spreading from each location.
“Burning will continue when resources are available, and as weather conditions allow,” said a spokesperson for the U.S. National Forest Service at the Ottawa National Forest.
Signs will be posted along the roadway to inform the public about the operations. According to officials, one of the primary benefits of pile burning is the reduction of fuel sources that contribute to the rapid spread of wildfires.
“Piles are made from the debris left after activities that involve thinning or cutting of trees in the forest, such as timber harvests, timber stand improvement cuts, or wildlife habitat improvement that can act as tinder for wildfires,” said a spokesperson.
The operations aim to enhance forest health and reduce wildfire risks in the area.
For safety and awareness, the public is encouraged to heed the posted signs along Dinner Lake Road during the burning process.