UPDATE TO FEMA CAMPS IN OSCODA, REGION 5

FEMA in Oscoda, Region 5 Updates
https://youtu.be/cDUv5LBAWsI
In a surprising development, FEMA has evaluated Oscoda’s Wurtsmith Air Force Base, a decommissioned military site, as a potential disaster response staging area. Located near the Oscoda-Wurtsmith Airport, this site could play a strategic role in FEMA’s Region 5, which covers Michigan and neighboring states. With semi-trucks and equipment expected to be stationed there, local residents are raising questions about FEMA’s long-term plans and the impact on their community. Although FEMA officials clarify that no formal agreements have been made, this move underscores the significance of emergency preparedness across the Midwest as natural disasters and climate challenges rise.

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Recent discussions have emerged regarding the potential use of the decommissioned Wurtsmith Air Force Base in Oscoda, Michigan, as a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) staging area. This development has sparked interest and concern among local residents and stakeholders.

Background on Wurtsmith Air Force Base and Oscoda

Wurtsmith Air Force Base, located in Oscoda, Michigan, was decommissioned in the early 1990s. Since then, the site has been repurposed for various civilian uses, including the establishment of the Oscoda-Wurtsmith Airport. The airport spans approximately 2,200 acres and serves as a significant asset to the local community.

FEMA’s Evaluation of the Site

In September 2024, FEMA officials visited and evaluated the former Wurtsmith Air Force Base to assess its viability as a disaster response staging area. Such evaluations are routine for FEMA as they identify potential sites for future disaster response operations. However, as of November 11, 2024, FEMA has stated that there are no immediate plans to utilize the Oscoda-Wurtsmith Airport as a staging area, and no agreements have been finalized.

Community Concerns and Clarifications

During an Oscoda Township board meeting on October 28, 2024, Township Supervisor Bill Palmer mentioned that FEMA had chosen the airport as a “stationing hub for emergency services” and would be bringing in approximately 350 semi-trailers of equipment to the base. This statement led to widespread concerns and speculation within the community. In response, FEMA clarified that there are no current plans to locate equipment at Wurtsmith and that the agency has no trailers at the location or en route. FEMA emphasized that the evaluation was part of standard procedures and does not guarantee future use of the site.

Implications for Oscoda and FEMA Region 5

Oscoda’s strategic location and the infrastructure of the former Wurtsmith Air Force Base make it a candidate for consideration in FEMA’s disaster response planning. FEMA Region 5, which encompasses Michigan, Ohio, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, and Minnesota, routinely assesses sites that could serve as logistical hubs during emergencies. While the recent evaluation of the Oscoda-Wurtsmith Airport aligns with these efforts, there are no immediate plans to activate the site for such purposes.

Conclusion

The recent evaluation of the Oscoda-Wurtsmith Airport by FEMA is part of the agency’s standard procedures to identify potential sites for disaster response. As of now, there are no plans to utilize the site as a staging area, and the community can be assured that any future developments will involve transparent communication and coordination with local authorities.