MARQUETTE, MI— Dry conditions continue to heighten the risk of wildfires in the Upper Peninsula.
Keith Murphy is a DNR Fire Management Specialist for the U.P. He says fire danger ranges from “high” to “extreme” from west to east. He says fuels like brush and grasses are extremely dry due to the lack of a long, drenching rain, and winds could easily whip up a small fire into a big blaze.
Murphy says the DNR has dealt with more than 20 wildfires in the UP so far this season.
“We’re picking up fires every day, now, from lightning strikes or abandoned campfires… equipment-related fires…”
The DNR is not issuing burn permits for the open burning of yard debris at all right now, but small campfires are allowed. Murphy says if a fire escapes, contact authorities immediately.
“If anything gets out, call 911 right away, because our fuels are so dry that the fire is going to spread faster than an individual could put it out.”
To see if burning is allowed in your county, go to www.michigan.gov/burnpermit.
