LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – As Michigan weather likely continues to warm, there is the increased concern of potential fires. 

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The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has reminded Michiganders that there are numerous areas of Michigan with a “very high” fire danger rating, including many northern parts of the Lower Peninsula. 

“When the fire danger is ‘Very High,’ fires will start easily from most causes,” according to the department of U.S. Department of Agriculture, “The fires will spread rapidly and have a quick increase in intensity, right after ignition.  Small fires can quickly become large fires and exhibit extreme fire intensity, such as long-distance spotting and fire whirls.  These fires can be difficult to control and will often become much larger and longer-lasting fires. 

“Humidity is low, so the environment is drying out fast,” DNR fire specialist Jeff Vashe said. “A fire can take off with very little warning in these kinds of conditions, especially if it’s windy at all.”

It is suggested that those seeking to have campfires check the burn status map to determine the fire danger and if fires are permitted in their area. 

Nationally, nearly nine out of ten wildfires are human-caused according to the DNR.  They counsel folks to use certain precautions when burning. 

  • Always have a water source nearby
  • Never leave a fire unattended, even for a minute
  • Keep a metal shovel and bucket nearby
  • Put out fires completely with water every time
  • Do not burn on windy days or during dry weather

When burning a fire, it is also paramount to beware of what substance is burning, because some are illegal and others can pose a danger to those nearby. 

  • Burning trash and hazardous materials is illegal in Michigan (Public Act 102 of 2012).
  • Burning items like plastic, foam, rubber, chemically treated wood and electronics releases cancer-causing chemicals into the air.
  • Ashes from burning inappropriate materials can contaminate soil and groundwater.
  • Dry, well-seasoned wood creates the least amount of airborne irritants. 

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So far in 2023, there have been nearly 90 fires which have consumed more than 600 acres.  In 2022, there was the highest amount of acres burned at 3,600, while 2018 had the highest number of acres burned in the past decade.