DNR PSA | Crews still on scene at Benzie Road Fire; use caution working and playing up north

• Efforts to put out hot spots on the now 100% contained, 101-acre Benzie Road Fire in Roscommon County will continue through the weekend, so avoid the area to give crews space to work.
• If your plans include outdoor work or fun, remember that despite cooler temperatures, a stretch of dry conditions has increased fire risk. That’s especially true in the area of the northern Lower Peninsula where last spring’s ice storm downed trees and branches.

“Nine out of 10 wildfires in Michigan are started by human activities and we’d like to see everyone keep that in mind, especially in the area affected by the ice storm,” said Paul Rogers, fire prevention specialist for the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

If you intend to burn leaves or yard debris, check online first for a burn permit. In the southern Lower Peninsula, check with your local fire department or municipality to make sure conditions allow for safe burning.

Here are additional fire safety tips:

• Whenever you burn, keep a hose or other water source nearby.
• Keep campfires and bonfires small. A large yard debris pile can stay hot for hours.

• Prevent sparks. Keep trailer chains from dragging and don’t park hot equipment on dry grass.
• Don’t burn plastic, hazardous materials, foam or other household trash. This can release dangerous chemicals into the air.
• Use a burn barrel with a screen on top to burn paper, leaves and natural materials.

Find more fire safety tips at Michigan.gov/FireManagement.