Fire danger is elevated across Michigan, so keep fire safety in mind whether holiday weekend plans include heading out for camping, doing yard work or hitting the trails, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources advises.

“Conditions are dry in much of the state. Be careful with fire, ORVs and outdoor equipment and take precautions to keep yourself and others safe,” said Don Klingler, the DNR’s resource protection manager.

Fire danger is high or very high statewide today, with pockets of extreme risk across the northern Lower Peninsula.

The National Weather Service office in Negaunee posted that “elevated fire weather conditions” are expected to persist in the Upper Peninsula through Wednesday.

Even if the landscape looks green, vegetation still can be dry, said Keith Murphy, a DNR fire management specialist based in the Upper Peninsula.

“Due to the low relative humidity, needle moisture in pines and lack of good rainfall, certain areas of the Upper Peninsula can definitely burn,” he said. Several of Michigan’s largest wildfires in the past have started during the last two weeks in May.

Most wildfires are caused by people, and in Michigan, yard waste burning is the top offender. If a backyard fire gets out of control, call 911 immediately.

“People get out there and don’t realize how fast a fire can take off, especially if there is any breeze that can carry an ember,” Klingler said.

Check Michigan.gov/BurnPermit before starting a fire to make sure weather conditions allow for safe burning.

The DNR offers these safety tips for outdoor fires:

— Keep a hose or other water source nearby when burning.

— Prevent sparks. Keep trailer chains from dragging when on the road; don’t park hot equipment on dry grass.

— Contain campfires or bonfires in a pit or ring and make sure it’s put out thoroughly before leaving. Douse the fire with water, stir the ashes and douse again.

— Never leave any fire, including hot coals, unattended.

— Never shoot fireworks into the woods, dry grass or shrubs.

— It’s illegal to burn plastic, hazardous materials, foam or other household trash. This can release dangerous chemicals into the air. Dispose of these materials properly.

— A burn barrel with a screen on top can be used to burn paper, leaves and natural materials.

More fire safety information is available at Michigan.gov/FireManagement.

Since the beginning of fire season in March, DNR wildland firefighters have fought more than 124 fires covering nearly 700 acres in Michigan.