Wildfire danger is expected to be high across northern Michigan this Memorial Day weekend, according to the Department of Natural Resources. The holiday weather forecast is predicted to be warm and dry, making for a perfect mix for wildfire.

"Earlier cold spells have slowed forest green up and leaf out in many places while pine needle moistures are at their lowest point of any time during the fire season," said Scott Heather DNR state wildfire supervisor. "Low fuel moisture raises the threat of a crown fire spreading rapidly through the tree tops which is always a possibility under current fire conditions."

So far this fire season the DNR has responded to 180 wildfires caused by the usual activities like careless leaf burning and abandoned campfires, as well as the less common dumping of stove ashes and torching of insect nests. Paul Kollmeyer, DNR wildfire prevention specialist, confirmed most wildfires can be traced back to citizen carelessness with fire.

"Each year when the weather is dry during holiday weekends we respond to a lot of human-caused fires," Kollmeyer said. "With the increase of outdoor activity during this week, and the needles and leaves igniting so easily, it's a combination that elevates the chances of a fire getting started."

Kollmeyer urged everyone to be extremely careful with any flame source. Keep campfires small, and never leave them unattended at any time. Be sure all fires and barbecues are completely extinguished. Use plenty of water, stir, and add more water until everything is wet and no steam is produced. Turn over charred logs and wet the underside. Soak unburned pieces of charcoal in a bucket of water before disposing of them. Do not simply cover a campfire with soil; it is an insufficient means to put out a fire. Remember that if adequate precautions were not taken and the fire escapes, it can cost you suppression expenses and charges for damages resulting from the fire. Please, do your part to prevent wildfires this holiday weekend.

For questions on fire danger, contact Paul Kollmeyer at (231) 775-9727, ext. 6051 or visit the DNR's Wildfire Prevention Web site at www.michigan.gov/dnr-fire. For information about burning permits and burning conditions across the state, visit www.michigan.gov/burnpermit.