GRAND RAPIDS (WWJ) - Almost a dozen wildfires have already scorched land in the Lower Peninsula as warm temperatures combined with winds and dry leaves and grass push fire dangers to very high levels this week.
A Red Flag Warning is in effect for over two dozen counties across Michigan, including Ingham and Jackson County, until 8 p.m. Thursday evening amid increasing chances for fires to spread quickly and out of control.
"A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now or will shortly," the National Weather Service explained. "The combination of strong winds...low relative humidity...and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire behavior."
Experts advised against any activities that could potentially lead to a wildfire. In current conditions, camping fires, outdoor grills, smoking materials, all terrain vehicles and even chainsaws all carry the risk of throwing a spark and igniting a "dangerous and destructive fire."
The NWS said the following counties are under Thursday's fire risk: Mason, Lake, Osceola, Clare, Oceana, Newaygo, Mecosta. Isabella, Muskegon, Montcalm, Gratiot, Ottawa, Kent, Ionia, Clinton, Allegan, Barry, Eaton, Ingham, Van Buren, Kalamazoo, Calhoun and Jackson
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources said they battled 11 wildfires alone on Wednesday, with the largest fire consuming roughly 250 acres of mostly wooded land south of Fennville in Allegan County.
Fire crews from Lee Township, Ganges Township, Fennville Area Fire Department and DNR were all on scene to help fight the fire, which also forced the evacuation of some residents.
There were about 40 personnel battling the flames on the ground at a given time while the Allegan County Drone Team assisted with aerial surveillance.
The cause of fire, which started around 2 p.m. on April 12 and was contained around 10 p.m., has not yet been determined.
"People need to be careful when doing any outdoor activity that could spark a wildfire," said Don Klingler, DNR resource manager for the southern Lower Peninsula. "These fuels can ignite very easily."
Weather authorities predicted temperatures through Saturday to be well above average and windy conditions are expected to persist during that time. Due to the associated risks, the DNR is not issuing burn permits for the next few days, Klingler added, as windborne embers have the potential to travel far and fast, turning a small fire into a large one.
"It's always critical to check Michigan.gov/BurnPermit before you start your fire to make sure weather conditions allow for safe burning," DNR officials said. "In southern Lower Peninsula communities, consult local fire authorities."
According to the DNR, nine out of 10 wildfires are caused by people with yard debris burning remaining the top cause of wildfires in Michigan.
A cooldown in expected early next week that will bring wetter, cooler conditions to the state, but for the next couple of days, the DNR offered the following tips to remain safe:
• Contain your campfire or bonfire in a pit or 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.Keep a hose or other water source nearby when burning.
• Prevent sparks. Keep trailer chains from dragging when you're on the road; don't park hot equipment on dry grass.
• Never shoot fireworks into the woods, dry grass or shrubs.
• Get more fire safety tips at Michigan.gov/FireManagement.
• 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.
The Upper Peninsula remains safe from fire risks as snow is still present in parts of the Upper Peninsula, but people should exercise caution in areas without snow, the DNR said.
