You may see smoke rising from Grand Island this weekend, as the US Forest Service sets several prescribed fires throughout the Hiawatha National Forest.

The Munising Beacon spoke with Chelsea Kallery, the communications contact for the Hiawatha National Forest, from the US Forest Service.

When asked if there is a prescribed burn happening on Grand Island this weekend, Chelsea indicated: “It’s hard to predict when prescribed burns will actually happen, due to the unpredictability of weather and wind conditions.” Chelsea continued “A prescribed burn can always change.”

According to a press release by the US Forest Service, two possible fires will be set on Grand Island. One in the Farm Field area on the southern part of Grand Island, and a second larger fire to be set in the area north of Murray Bay on the east side of the island.

If conditions allow, the Upper Peninsula Fire Management Unit will be conducting prescribed burns on several different areas in the East and West Zones of the Hiawatha National Forest this week. The Park Service asks that you stay clear of those areas while prescribed burns are taking place, for your safety and that of the firefighters.

Each year, ecologists and fire officers burn thousands of acres of woodlands, prairies, wetlands, and other natural areas throughout the park system. Fire is needed in many natural areas to regain a healthy diversity of plant and animal life. Without fire, invasive plants spread through local habitats, reducing native plant and animal populations.