2 Macomb County Men, Among 3 Accused Of Setting Northern MI Wildfire: Feds

MARQUETTE, MI — Three men, including two from Macomb County are facing charges in connection with a wildfire that burned several acres at Isle Royale National Park two years ago, according to federal officials.

Dylan Kenneth Wagner, 29, of Grand Rapids, Jason Arden Allard, 28, of Macomb and Scott Warren Allard, 30, of Clinton Township were each 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.

If convicted, each man faces a maximum penalty up to 6 months in prison, a fine up to $5,000, up to 5 years’ probation and mandatory restitution.

"Some of America’s most stunning places are right here in Michigan, including Isle Royale National Park," U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Mark Totten said. "These alleged crimes threatened the safety of park visitors, employees, and the ecosystem that sustains a rich diversity of life. We’re committed to protecting Isle Royale National Park and Michigan’s other national treasures for all to enjoy – today and for generations to come."

Officials said Wagner and the Allards were on Isle Royale, north of the junction of the Mount Franklin and Tobin Harbor Trails on Aug. 12 and 13, 2022 when they set up an illegal campsite.

Their campsite was in an area too close to a trail, officials said.

At the illegal campsite, the men lit a fire that was not in a metal ring or grill provided by the park, officials said.

The fire eventually burned several acres of park property and created a public safety hazard, officials said.

Established in 1940, Isle Royale National Park was "set aside for the benefit and enjoyment of the public and to preserve and protect its wilderness character, cultural and natural resources, scenery, and ecological processes," officials said.

Additionally, as a unit of the national park system, Isle Royale National Park provides opportunities for recreation, education and interpretation and scientific study.

Information about Isle Royale and park-specific rules are available online through the National Park Service.