Trio charged with sparking 2022 wildfire on Isle Royale

Matt Jaworowski
·2 min read
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GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — Three men from Michigan face federal charges for sparking an illegal fire that destroyed park property on Isle Royale.

Mark Totten, the U.S. attorney for the Western District of Michigan, announced that his office filed federal charges on Wednesday.

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Dylan Wagner, of Grand Rapids, Jason Allard, of Macomb, and Scott Allard, of Clinton Township, are charged with one count of lighting, tending or using a fire causing damage to property and one count of violating conditions established by the superintendent at Isle Royale National Park.

A look at some of the damage done by the 2022 Mount Franklin Fire in Isle Royale National Park. (Courtesy National Park Service)
A look at some of the damage done by the 2022 Mount Franklin Fire in Isle Royale National Park. (Courtesy National Park Service)

Both charges carry a penalty up to 6 months in prison, a $5,000 fine, up to 5 years of probation and restitution.

“These alleged crimes threatened the safety of park visitors, employees and the ecosystem that sustains a rich diversity of life,” Totten said in a statement. “We are committed to protecting Isle Royale National Park and Michigan’s other national treasures for all to enjoy — today and for generations to come.”

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According to court documents, the three men were camping in the park on Aug. 12, 2022, when the fire sparked near the junction of the Mount Franklin and Tobin Harbor Trails.

Investigators say the men camped “illegally” in an area too close to the trail and did not use the metal rings provided by the park for a campfire.

According to the National Park Service, the “Mount Franklin Fire” destroyed at least 10 acres of property. Two wildland firefighting crews were brought in to help battle the fire, including a “single-engine air tanker” that scooped water from Lake Superior to drop on the fire.

The fire was declared 100% contained on Aug. 26.

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