September 11, 2007

LANSING - Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today signed a proclamation lifting the burning ban on the Upper Peninsula.  The ban had been in effect since August 17, with portions of the state removed from the ban on August 22 and 29.  The counties in the Upper Peninsula were the last still under the ban until the governor's action today.

"The U.P. now has experienced adequate precipitation to lift the prohibition on outdoor burning," said Granholm.  "I want to thank citizens for their participation and patience in honoring the burning ban, which helped reduce the amount of wildfire activity in our state."

Even though the ban has been rescinded, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) still encouraged citizens to be careful with open flame near forested lands.  As of Monday, the DNR had responded to 385 wild land fires in Michigan that involved 20,858 acres, including the Sleeper Lake fire.

"While the ban has been rescinded, we ask outdoors enthusiasts and property owners to use caution when burning," said DNR Director Rebecca Humphries.  "If you have a campfire, please make sure it is thoroughly extinguished before leaving it, and make sure you have a water source nearby in the event the fire does escape."
 
For more information on wildfires and tips on how to make your home and property "fire-wise," please visit the DNR Web site at www.michigan.gov/dnr.

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