Amid dry conditions, DNR urges caution while camping
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is urging caution and awareness for campers and others amid dry conditions and extreme fire danger that is present throughout the state.
“Most areas have been close to 25 days without rain and we really need a good half inch with the rain to make a difference,” said Paul Rogers, wildfire expert with the DNR.
Every year, there are approximately 10,000 to 12,000 wildfires in Michigan. These are mostly small fires that do not occur in a building but can still be in populated rural areas. A wildfire is defined as any unplanned or unwanted free burning fire which is resistant to being put out.
Almost half of all wildfires in the state are caused by burning yard debris, such as grass clippings and leaves.
Even though fires are more common in the spring and summer months, Michigan may be at a higher risk currently because of a lack of rainfall combined with heat.
“Everywhere right now is under very high to extreme fire conditions,” said Rogers.
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In the past week, multiple wildfires have broken out in different areas in both the Upper and Lower peninsulas.
One large fire in Gladstone in the Upper Peninsula burned through three acres of pine and shrub swamp last weekend.
Another fire in Wexford County burned through 136 acres of wildlife. It was caused by a campfire outside of a residence. Officials said the fire spread past the metal ring and caught nearby grass and leaves on fire, causing the spread.
During the Memorial Day weekend, the DNR responded to 44 different fires across the state.
The DNR’s fire danger map currently shows most of the state in red, or extreme fire danger. That is expected to last through the weekend.
In order to prevent wildfires, the DNR offers plenty of safety information.
In general, when you burn you should:
- Always have a water source nearby
- Never leave a fire unattended, even for a minute
- Keep a metal shovel and bucket nearby
- Put out fires completely with water every time
- Do not burn on windy days or during dry weather
The State of Michigan has put a hold on burn permits in many areas of the state while the fire danger is so high.
The largest concern for large scale fires comes from campfires. The DNR urges every camper to build fires no larger than three feet high and only within fire rings, and to douse all fires with water.
“Winds are still blowing through the night, it could be the middle of the night and sparks and embers could fly out of the fire pit,” said Rogers. “Campers need to make sure that they get a garden hose or a bucket of water or some water source out by the fire before they light the fire and keep it on hand through the night.”
For more fire safety information, visit michigan.gov/dnr.
— Contact Brendan Wiesner: BWiesner@Sooeveningnews.com