MARQUETTE, MI— Warm, dry weather and windy conditions are expected to boost Upper Peninsula wildfire risk over the weekend.
Unseasonably warm temperatures reaching the 70s and strong southerly winds of 10 to 20 mph are expected Saturday, with gusts up to 40 mph in the afternoon and evening.
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources say residents need to keep some tips in mind when it comes to preventing fires in those conditions.
- Always check for a permit before burning.
- If a backyard fire gets away from you, call 911 immediately—don’t try to put it out yourself first.
- Keep a hose or other water source nearby when burning.
- Keep trailer chains from dragging when you’re on the road and don’t park hot equipment on dry grass.
- Contain your campfire or bonfire in a pit or metal ring and make sure you put it out thoroughly before leaving for the night.
- Douse the fire with water, stir the ashes and douse again.
- Never leave any fire—including hot coals—unattended.
