GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Three Michigan men are facing charges for allegedly causing a large wildfire in Isle Royale National Park back in 2022.
Dylan Kenneth Wagner, 29, of Grand Rapids; Jason Arden Allard, 28, of Macomb; and Scott Warren Allard, 30, of Clinton Township, have been charged with the following:
- One count of lighting, tending or using a fire causing damage to real property
- One count of violating conditions established by the superintendent at Isle Royale National Park
Both charges carry a maximum penalty of up to six months in prison, up to a $5,000 fine, up to five years’ probation and mandatory restitution.
Officials say the fire started when the men were visiting Isle Royale National Park on Aug. 12 and Aug. 13 in 2022. They were allegedly camping illegally too close to the trail and did not contain their fire in the metal rings or grills provided by the park.
This caused a fire that burned six acres of the park, according to the National Park Service. The fire was not fully contained until Aug. 26.
“Some of America’s most stunning places are right here in Michigan, including Isle Royale National Park,” said U.S. Attorney Mark Totten. “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.”
Isle Royale National Park is an island archipelago in Lake Superior. It was established as a national park in 1940 to preserve the land.
The National Park Service is looking for any information about this fire. You can submit a tip by calling or texting 888-653-0009; submitting a tip online at go.nps.gov/SubmitATip; or emailing nps_isb@nps.gov.
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