Heavy smoke and the noise of fire trucks arriving at the scene of a Freedom Township grass fire that consumed more than 80 acres, was the neighbors’ only warning of a potential emergency.

The warm and breezy spring weather has been a welcome arrival after what may have seemed to some like an endlessly cold winter. But it hasn’t been all good news.

The Manchester Township Fire Department responded over the past weekend to at least eight separate grass and field fires within the four covered townships, plus one request for assistance from the Grass Lake Fire Department.

The largest of the fires was located in Freedom Township, about two miles southeast of the Freedom Compressor Station owned by Consumers Energy. MTFD Administrative officer, Mike Kouba, said that the fire was located south of the lake and there was no danger to the plant. But what started as a report of a three-acre field fire from a burning barrel, was already 5-10 acres burning out of control by the time the fire department arrived on the scene.

Mutual aid was requested from Clinton, Chelsea, Dexter, and Scio townships. It took about five hours to get the fire under control; by that time approximately 80 acres of field and swamp brush had burned.

Although increased emergency preparedness and notification has been emphasized recently by the county, most Freedom Township neighbors said they were unaware of the fire other than hearing the noise of the sirens and eventually, the large amount of smoke. “If the fire had been closer to the Consumers plant or the pipelines that run through the township, are we adequately prepared?” asked one resident.

“Due to the ongoing extremely dry conditions and wind gusts, it has been determined that until further notice, no burning permits will be issued for Manchester, Freedom, Sharon, or Bridgewater townships,” Kouba added. “Although small recreational fires are not required to obtain a permit, it is highly recommended by the MTFD to refrain from ANY outside fires until further notice.”

Kouba noted that none of the fires within Manchester’s jurisdiction had reportable physical property damage, although many structures were threatened.

Manchester Township Fire Chief Bill Scully, who issued the No-Burning order, said there will need to be significant rainfall before any burning permits will be issued.

Fire’s aftermath. (Photo courtesy of Carol Westfall)