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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," Paul Rogers, fire prevention specialist with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, said in a news release. "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 today, 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.
To keep fires in check, DNR advises --
-- Always check for a permit before burning to make sure weather conditions allow for a safe fire.
-- 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.
For more fire safety tips and information, go to Michigan.gov/.