Contact: Keith Murphy (Upper Peninsula), 906-250-1382 or Jeff Vasher (Lower Peninsula), 989-745-2942

Going north this weekend? Be careful with fire, ORVs, sparks

If you’re heading up north to enjoy deer hunting or a little fall color, please be careful with campfires, off-road vehicles and trailer chains or anything else that might cause a spark that could lead to a wildfire.

“Due to unusually dry conditions this fall, fire danger throughout much of the state remains high despite a little bit of rain today,” said Paul Rogers, fire prevention specialist for the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

DNR firefighters Friday morning were handling 17 fires in the Upper Peninsula and eight to 10 in the northern Lower Peninsula. Additionally, the Summit Lake Fire in the Ottawa National Forest’s McCormick Wilderness area reached over 300 acres in size.

“We want everybody to have fun at deer camp, but please make sure that campfires are totally out before you turn in for the night,” Rogers said.

When you’re done with a campfire, drench it with water, stir the ashes and drench it again.

Also be careful when using power equipment or riding ORVs, as heat from equipment motors or ORV exhaust systems can set dry grass or leaves on fire.

If you intend to burn leaves or yard debris, check online for a burn permit; in the southern Lower Peninsula, check with your local fire department or municipality to make sure conditions allow for safe burning. As with campfires, when you’re done burning, drench the fire site with water and stir any ashes, then wet again to make sure the fire is out.

For more information on safe burning and the DNR’s fire program, visit Michigan.gov/FireManagement.