DNR urges caution as fire danger rises across northern Michigan

With dry weather conditions persisting across the state, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources is urging residents and visitors to use extreme caution with any outdoor activity that could spark a wildfire in the northern Lower Peninsula and throughout the Upper Peninsula.

Warm temperatures, dry vegetation and limited rainfall in the forecast are increasing risk of wildfires. Current fire danger ratings are high to very high across much of Michigan's Upper Peninsula and northern Lower Peninsula.

“We do not expect significant rainfall over the next 10 days, and that greatly increases the risk for wildfires,” said Paul Rogers, DNR fire prevention specialist. “Low moisture levels in conifer needles and dry pine fuels mean fires can start easily and spread quickly under the right conditions.”

Due to elevated fire conditions, the DNR will not issue permits for burning yard debris in the northern Lower Peninsula and Upper Peninsula at this time. Residents in southern Michigan should check with their local fire department or municipality before conducting any outdoor burning.

Fire safety reminders

The DNR encourages everyone to follow these safety tips while enjoying the outdoors:

• Keep a hose or water source nearby when burning.
• Prevent sparks by ensuring trailer chains do not drag on roadways and avoiding parking hot equipment on dry grass.
• Keep campfires contained in a fire ring or pit and fully extinguish them before leaving. Douse fires with water, stir ashes and douse again.
• Never leave fires or hot coals unattended.
• Never shoot fireworks into wooded areas, dry grass or shrubs.
• Avoid burning plastics, hazardous materials or household trash. Use only approved burn barrels with screens for natural materials such as paper and leaves.

Additional wildfire prevention and fire safety information is available at Michigan.gov/FireManagement.