Fallen tree leaves and drought conditions are leaving the Upper Peninsula with an increased wildfire risk heading into the weekend.
Many parts of the region have seen persisting drought conditions since August, with worsen conditions in the west, according to the National Weather Service.
But, the increased risk comes while first responders have been fighting wildfires for the past two weeks in the Marquette area.
"We had some possible evacuations that were sent out, but most of those were rescinded about four days into the fires," Paul Rogers, fire specialist for the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, said.
He said before residents light fires, they should check if the area they're in is allowing burn permits. Michiganders can find out through the MDNR's burn permit map.
"But the biggest thing with this drought is to make sure after your campfire is done that you make sure everything is out," Rogers said.
Michiganders can take preventative measures to stay safe during increased wildfire risks, according to a press release by MDNR.
- Call 911 immediately if the campfire picks up, don't attempt to put it out yourself
- Keep a water source nearby during fires
- Avoid measures that may lead to the heat from the exhaust sparking a fire
- Contain your campfire in a metal ring, and make sure everything is out before stepping away
- Never leave anything unattended, not even hot coals.
"Be mindful of we're going to see increased winds," Rogers said. "That's one thing that we're looking for over the weekend and that's going to put the spread rates can happen."
