KEWEENAW COUNTY, Mich. – Three Michigan men accused of starting a wildfire that burned around six acres at Isle Royale National Park are now facing federal charges.
On Aug. 13, 2022, smoke was reported over Isle Royale, near Three Mile campground. According to officials, the plume could be seen from the Mott Island dock. The fire is now known as The Mount Franklin Fire.
Prosecutors allege that three men were camping illegally north of the junction of the Mount Franklin and Tobin Harbor Trails on Aug. 12 and Aug. 13, 2022. Their camp was too close to the trail and they had a fire that was not in one of the metal rings or grills that the park provides. That fire caused the wildfire and created a public safety hazard.
Firefighters from two agencies across two states responded to the fire. A single-engine air tanker from Minnesota scooped up water from Lake Superior and dropped it over the fire. Other firefighting techniques included creating firelines, monitoring, and mopping up. Visitors were evacuated from the Three Mile and Lane Cove campgrounds and many trails were closed. The fire was declared completely contained on Aug. 26, 2022.
The men have each been charged with one count of lighting, tending, or using a fire causing damage to real property, and one count of violating conditions established by the superintendent at Isle Royale National Park. Both charges come with a maximum penalty of up to 6 months in prison, up to a $5,000 fine, up to 5 years’ probation, and mandatory restitution.
The men have been identified as:
- Dylan Kenneth Wagner, 29, of Grand Rapids
- Jason Arden Allard, 28, of Macomb
- Scott Warren Allard, 30, of Clinton Township
According to the National Park Service, the fire occurred on a hot, dry, rocky ridge that was covered in fire-adapted species. The fire left behind many dead and down jack pine, but the species relies on fire for reproduction.