(WWJ) - Dangerous conditions will combine over the next week, increasing the potential for wildfires and prompting officials to warn residents in the Upper Peninsula and the northern part of Lower Michigan to be wary when working and playing outdoors.
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources said high temperatures and gusty winds across the northern portions of the state will cause wildfire danger to soar.
Officials said people should take precautions and be aware of their surroundings when outside over the next seven days, but especially on Sunday; the DNR said strong winds and temps in the high 70s will cause perfect conditions for wildfires.
“Grass and leaves that were on the ground over the winter are very dry and can ignite easily from a spark or an ember,” said Paul Rogers, fire prevention specialist with the DNR's Forest Resources Division.
Rogers asked hikers, campers and residents to be wary when starting campfires or burning leaves and yard debris as this week's weather conditions can cause a small fire to quickly and suddenly rage out of control.
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Residents are encouraged to visit Michigan.gov/BurnPermit to see if burn permits are being issued for their area.
Wildland firefighters with the DNR battled almost 300 wildfires that raged across 2,370 acres of land across Michigan in 2021, officials said.
The DNR has asked Michiganders to be mindful of the following safety tips:
• Never leave any fire unattended.
• Keep a hose or other water source nearby when burning yard waste or enjoying a campfire or bonfire.
• Prevent sparks. Keep trailer chains from dragging and don’t park hot equipment on dry grass.
• Do not shoot fireworks into the woods or into 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.
• You can use a burn barrel with a screen on top to burn paper, leaves and natural materials.
For more safety tips, please visit Michigan.gov/PreventWildfires.
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