Parts of northern Michigan the the Upper Peninsula are facing an “extreme” fire risk as Michigan continues to see warm, windy low-humidity weather this week.
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources says open yard debris burning is not allowed in any of the counties for which it issues permits, generally from Saginaw bay north, and the U.P.
According to the MesoWest Fire & Fuels map, nearly the entire state of Michigan is under a “very high” fire risk as of Tuesday, June 2.
“With dry weather conditions persisting across the state, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources is urging residents and visitors to use extreme caution with any outdoor activity that could spark a wildfire in the northern Lower Peninsula and throughout the Upper Peninsula,” the DNR said on May 29.
Areas in the Lower Peninsula around Buckley, in northwest Michigan, West Branch, and Silver Creek, northwest of Tawas City, are under extreme fire risk conditions.
In addition, areas near Crystal Falls and Kenton in the western U.P. are facing extreme risks.
The risk in each of those locations is expected to remain extreme or very high through at least June 4.
“We do not expect significant rainfall over the next 10 days, and that greatly increases the risk for wildfires,” said Paul Rogers, DNR fire prevention specialist, on May 29. “Low moisture levels in conifer needles and dry pine fuels mean fires can start easily and spread quickly under the right conditions.”
The tip of Michigan’s thumb has a moderate risk while the tip of the Keweenaw Peninsula, Isle Royale, Ann Arbor and Romeo areas are facing high risks.
The DNR says when fire risks are high or extreme firefighting units are strategically placed in key locations around the state for quick response in the event of a wildfire.
The Detroit National Weather Service office said on X on June 2 that conditions will continue to be dry and sunny through Friday with temperature climbing into the upper 80s.
The NWS in Gaylord said rain may move in Thursday.
“Weather remains quiet through Thursday as high pressure will continue clear skies tonight followed by daytime highs in the 70s and 80s. Be sure to be careful with any outdoor activities this week as this dry air will continue Elevated Fire Weather concerns,” the NWS office said on X on June 2.
The NWS office in Marquette said low humidity will contribute to the ongoing fire risk.
“Another couple of dry days are ahead, with humidity falling to the 20s percent range inland of the Great Lakes. Obey local burning restrictions!,” the NWS office said on X on June 1.
This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: Dry weather elevates fire risk to ‘extreme.’ Where risk is highest
Reporting by Dan Basso, USA TODAY NETWORK / Lansing State Journal
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
