Hot, dry weather elevates wildfire risk in much of Michigan

The recent stretch of unseasonably warm, dry weather is perfect for late-summer outdoor activities, but it also boosts wildfire risk. That means taking care to prevent wildfires when you work and play outside this week. “Most importantly, if you are planning to burn yard debris, make sure weather conditions allow for burning,” said Jeff Vasher, fire specialist for the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. “Debris burns that escape are the top cause of wildfires in Michigan.” If you intend to burn yard debris, go to Michigan.gov/BurnPermit to see if weather conditions allow for burning in your area. Fire danger goes up when it is hot and dry and increases even more when weather turns windy. Windborne embers can travel far and fast, turning a small fire into a large one. If you are building a campfire or bonfire, keep it within a contained pit or ring and make sure you thoroughly put out the fire before you leave it for the night. That means dousing the fire with water, stirring the ashes and dousing again.

Keep fire safety in mind

Here are some other safety tips:

• Never leave any fire unattended.
• Keep a hose or other water source nearby.
• Prevent sparks. Keep trailer chains from dragging and don’t park hot equipment on dry grass.
• Don’t shoot fireworks into the woods or into dry grass or shrubs.
• Don’t burn plastic, hazardous materials, foam or other household trash. This can release dangerous chemicals into the air.
• Use a burn barrel with a screen on top to burn paper, leaves and natural materials.
• Get more fire safety tips at Michigan.gov/FireManagement.

DNR wildland firefighters have fought more than 180 fires covering more than 800 acres so far in 2024.

Note to editors: An accompanying photo is available below for download. Caption information follows.

Put out your campfire! Whenever you have finished with your campfire, make sure to drench it with water, stir the ashes and drench again.