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Warmer-than-normal temperatures and gusty winds in the Upper Peninsula weather forecast, coupled with more people working and playing outside, creates a wildfire risk that's higher than usual this late in the season, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources warns.
"If you're at deer camp for archery season, camping, riding ORVs or working outdoors, be aware of the fire danger," Paul Rogers, fire prevention specialist for the Michigan DNR, said in a news release. "It's warmer than normal, and fallen leaves and dry grasses increase the risk of a spark from equipment or an ember from a campfire igniting a wildfire."
DNR firefighters and cooperators have spent the past two weeks fighting several fires grouped as the Rugged Terrain Complex, including the Ridge Fire about 10 miles north of Marquette, the Craig Lake Fire and the Black River Fire near Wakefield in Gogebic County. Together they total nearly 1,400 acres burned; as of Wednesday evening, each fire was at least 50% contained.
The DNR recommends always checking for a permit before burning to make sure weather conditions allow for a safe fire. Other tips include --
-- Call 911 immediately if a backyard fire gets away from you. 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 campfires or bonfires 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.
More tips can be found at Michigan.gov/FireManagement.