In response to a member’s concern expressed at this year’s annual meeting, the BIA Board has been working with the Beaver Island Volunteer Fire Department to explore ways the association might help mitigate the risk of forest fire on our Island.
Initial recommendations have centered on fire prevention awareness and education, as well as broadening communication of current fire risk level. To that end the board and Fire Chief Tim McDonough have agreed to support the procurement and placement of additional fire risk signage at ports of entry to the Island, including the airports, ferry dock, marinas, and campground. These would be in addition to the sign presently in place at the campground on East Side Drive. Required permissions from appropriate persons and agencies have yet to be obtained. Fire Chief McDonough has agreed to contact the State of Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to see if signs are available. Should they not be, the BIA Board has agreed to pursue other sources. The board has offered to enlist a group of volunteers who would assure timely uniform and accurate posting of fire risk at the various locations. Risk-level assessment and direction would be provided by our fire department. Chief McDonough has accepted this proposal.
In addition to the above actions, the board has agreed to sponsor as an agenda item at next year’s general meeting a presentation and discussion of fire prevention on Beaver Island. Chief McDonough has agreed to secure attendance of appropriate DNR representatives.
