State officials say fire risk for northern Michigan is extreme as Thursday’s conditions remain dry, warm and windy.
There have been 162 wildfires in the state so far this year, which is on pace for the yearly average. However, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources said fallen debris from last year’s ice storm could cause hotter and faster-burning fires.
To accommodate for the extra risk the DNR leased two extra planes to help put out potential fires.
Laurie Abel with the DNR said burning debris, leaves or anything outside of an enclosed fire pit is prohibited at this time.
“There's still a lot of potential for an active wildfire to take off, even though it looks Like we've got a lot of green going on,” Abel said. “The pines are still pretty dry and that under brush, that leaf litter and storm debris litter is still very dry from last year.”
The DNR advised Michigan residents through social media to delay plans for yard work and to be cautious when using power tools and off-road vehicles.
“A single spark or hot engine parked on dry grass can ignite a massive wildfire,” the DNR post read.
The DNR advises against having a fire of any kind, but Abel said folks who decide to have an enclosed fire should be prepared with water and a shovel.
“Make sure that you don't leave anything hot or any embers behind,” Abel said. “If it's too hot to touch, it's too hot to leave.”
If a fire starts, call 911immediately, she says.
Warm temps are expected throughout the weekend, but the National Weather Service said parts of the state can expect scattered showers.
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