Thick Smoke Observed West of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan Due to Prescribed Burns
• Residents in Chippewa County, Michigan, have reported thick smoke west of Sault Ste. Marie since Sunday afternoon. According to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and the U.S. Forest Service, the smoke originates from prescribed burns conducted in the Hiawatha National Forest. These controlled burns, managed by the U.P. Fire and Aviation Management Unit, are part of planned fire operations aimed at maintaining forest health and reducing wildfire risks. Crews are actively monitoring the burns, which cover two project areas named Red Delicious (289 acres) and Paula Red (150 acres), located west of Raco near M-
• No wildfires have been reported in the area, and the burns are proceeding under favorable weather conditions.
Impact & Risks
The smoke from the prescribed burns may temporarily affect air quality and visibility in the surrounding areas, including Chippewa County and Sault Ste. Marie. Residents with respiratory conditions or sensitivities to smoke should take precautions. However, the burns are controlled and monitored by fire crews, minimizing the risk of uncontrolled wildfires. No active wildfires have been reported in the region, and the burns are part of a planned effort to improve forest health.
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