State officials say fallen trees from a March ice storm — in addition to a string of dry days — are increasing Michigan’s fire risk this fall.
A news release from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR), says the historic ice storm earlier this year that left thousands of residents cold without power, also left snapped trees and broken branches throughout northern Michigan, despite cleanup efforts.
“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.”
The DNR is urging residents to be mindful when having fires because people are responsible for starting nine out of 10 wildfires.
As of Tuesday, Sept. 16, areas around Holly, Charlotte, Hastings, Coldwater, Sturgis, Hudson, Adrian and Ann Arbor in the Lower Peninsula face very high fire risks, according to Great Lakes Fire & Fuels Consoritum, which includes the states of Michigan, Wisconsin, and Minnesota.
Recent rain in the Upper Peninsula has reduced the risk. Most of the UP is under a low or moderate risk as of Sept. 16.
Northern Lower Peninsula has a moderate to high risk, with areas south of Houghton Lake seeing the increased risk.
There are burn restrictions in place from Saginaw Bay north, in counties that the DNR controls permits. Southern Michigan county burn permits are handled locally, rather than through the DNR.
How can I reduce the risk of wildfires?
The DNR says if Michigan residents want to burn in the immediate future, they should keep these tips in mind:
Jalen Williams is a trending reporter at the Detroit Free Press. Contact him at jawilliams1@freepress.com.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: DNR says a string of dry days is increasing fire risk in Michigan. What to know
Reporting by Jalen Williams, Detroit Free Press / Detroit Free Press
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