Upper Peninsula fire risk is high; be careful when you burn, work or play outside

Warm, dry weather and windy conditions are expected in the Upper Peninsula over the next few days, boosting the risk of a wildfire.

“Grasses have dried out and leaves are starting to drop, which adds a layer of fuel that can feed and speed the spread of a wildfire,” said Paul Rogers, fire prevention specialist with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. “Make sure to check for a burn permit before you burn any yard debris and be careful of heat or sparks from equipment and off-road vehicles.”

Unseasonably warm temperatures reaching the 70s and strong southerly winds of 10 to 20 mph are expected Saturday, with gusts up to 40 mph in the afternoon and evening. Winds at those speeds can quickly carry embers a long distance. That’s dangerous with dry conditions.

“With the continued drought, we are experiencing extended mop-up times as fires are burning deep below the leaves and grass on the ground and into the soils,” Rogers said.

Keep fire in check

Again, always check for a permit before burning to make sure weather conditions allow for a safe fire. Here are more tips:

• If a backyard fire gets away from you, call 911 immediately. Do not try to put it out yourself first.
• Keep a hose or other water source nearby when burning.
• Keep trailer chains from dragging when you’re on the road and don’t park hot equipment on dry grass, as heat from the exhaust can spark a fire.
• Contain your campfire or bonfire in a pit or metal ring and make sure you put it out thoroughly before leaving for the night. Douse the fire with water, stir the ashes and douse again.
• Never leave any fire — including hot coals — unattended.

Get more fire safety tips and information at Michigan.gov/FireManagement.