Metro Detroit men among 3 charged with sparking wildfire on Isle Royale National Park in 2022

MARQUETTE (WWJ) — Three men, including two from Macomb County, are facing federal charges for allegedly setting a campground fire that was not properly contained, leading to a large wildfire at Isle Royale National Park two years ago.

Ultimately, the fire burned several acres on Isle Royale, a remote island archipelago in Lake Superior.

U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Mark Totten on Wednesday announced federal charges against Jason Allard, 28, of Macomb; Scott Allard, 30, of Clinton Township; and Dylan Wagner, 29, of Grand Rapids.

The men are charged with one count each of lighting, tending or using a fire causing damage to real property and violating conditions established by the superintendent at Isle Royale National Park.

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

“Some of America’s most stunning places are right here in Michigan, including Isle Royale National Park,” Totten said, per a press release. “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.”

Authorities say Wagner and the Allards were camping on Isle Royale, north of the junction of the Mount Franklin and Tobin Harbor Trails on Aug. 12 and 13, 2022.

They camped illegally in an area too close to the trail and had a fire that was not in one of the metal rings or grills provided by the park, according to Totten’s office. That fire eventually caused the burning of park property and created a public safety hazard.

A year prior Isle Royale saw a much larger wildfire, which burned more than 200 acres over several weeks. The 2022 fire allegedly set by Wagner and the Allards was fully contained within about 10 days.

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,” according to Totten’s office.

Also 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.”

Authorities did not release any information about the next court date for the men accused of starting the fire.