4/3/21 - Meridian Twp field fire, 5120 Van Atta Rd

A prescribed burn by a private company quickly got out of control at the Foster-Davis Land Preserve, 5120 Van Atta Rd, on Saturday, April 3, 2021. The Meridian Twp Fire Department was on site overseeing the prescribed burn. They called for grass rigs from NIESA to respond at approximately 12:45 PM. Shortly after that, Bath Twp was requested, then Dansville & Delhi Twp, then Mason, then an all-call for available grass rigs from Ingham County and Fowlerville departments. East Lansing was requested for a truck company to protect exposure homes in one neighborhood, while NIESA apparatus were positioned into another neighborhood for the same assignment. Grass rigs and firefighters continued an aggressive fight on the fast spreading, wind fueled grass fire and were able to stop it before it got into nearby wetlands and the adjoining neighborhoods. The fire extended into some wooded areas which required overhauling after the progress of the flames were stopped. There were no injuries during the fire, it is estimated approximately 45 acres burned.