Sunny, dry fall weather means bigger fire risk, especially in northern Lower Peninsula

Michigan’s greatest fire risk is usually in the spring, but downed wood from the March ice storm in northern Michigan forests and a forecast string of dry days mean people need to be careful with fire through the fall.

“We had a dry fall last year and many fire runs,” said Jeff Vasher, resource protection manager for the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. “We want to remind people to be careful and always keep fire safety in mind when they are burning, riding off-road vehicles or enjoying other outdoor activities.”

People are responsible for starting nine out of 10 wildfires, and nearly all of these could have been prevented.

Risk is heightened in the northern portion of the Mitten where an epic ice storm in March left tons of wood from snapped trees and broken branches on the ground. Despite massive cleanup efforts, some areas of state and private forests are still clogged with debris.

“Downed wood has been drying out all summer and it can catch fire easily,” Vasher said. He suggests chipping wood debris rather than burning it, if possible.

If you do need to burn, keep these safety tips in mind:

• Before burning yard debris, see if burn permits are being issued or if weather conditions allow for safe burning. Check the burn permit page or call 866-922-BURN (866-922-2876) for more information.
• Keep debris piles small. A large pile can burn for hours.
• Build your campfire in a metal ring or pit. Never leave a fire unattended, even for a moment. When you're done, thoroughly douse the fire with water, stir and douse again.
• Taking a trailer up north? Ensure tow chains don't drag and cause sparks, which can light a fire along the road’s edge.
• Avoid using heavy machinery like lawnmowers in dry areas. Don’t park an ORV or other vehicle on dry grass, as a hot exhaust system can ignite the grass.

Learn more on the DNR’s fire safety webpage.