NEWS RELEASE
MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
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Whether you’re staying at home to clean up the yard or traveling north for a little fall color, keep fire safety in mind. Due to dry conditions, fire danger is elevated throughout the state.
“As you go north this weekend to enjoy the beautiful fall weather, be aware that most of Michigan is experiencing high to very high fire danger. These conditions are expected to continue until early next week,” said Paul Rogers, fire prevention specialist for the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.
There were 26 wildfires in Michigan last week, burning more than 170 acres, and some areas of the Upper Peninsula are in drought conditions. See the drought map.
“Almost the entire state is abnormally dry,” Rogers said. “Conditions will persist and become even more dry until we get enough rain.”
High winds are forecasted Friday, making conditions even more dangerous. Permits for burning yard debris are currently restricted for most locations in northern Michigan; check the website for permit status. People who plan to burn in the southern Lower Peninsula should check with their fire department or local municipality before burning; most of them are not issuing permits at this time.
Use caution when pulling trailers to make sure chains are not dragging. This can create sparks and ignite fires along the route. Also be careful when using power equipment such as saws or lawn mowers or anything else that could cause a spark outside.
If you have a campfire for cooking or warming, try to build it after 6 p.m. when the day has cooled and the sun is going down. Always have a pail of water or a garden hose nearby along with some hand tools such as a shovel or rake in case the fire escapes its ring.
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