Contact: Paul Rogers, 616-260-8406

UP fires may be waning, but risk of new fire remains high

Warmer than normal temperatures and gusty winds in the Upper Peninsula weather forecast mean more people working and playing outside mixed with a wildfire risk that’s higher than usual this late in the season.

“If you’re at deer camp for archery season, camping, riding ORVs or working outdoors, be aware of the fire danger,” said Paul Rogers, fire prevention specialist for the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. “It’s warmer than normal, and fallen leaves and dry grasses increase the risk of a spark from equipment or an ember from a campfire igniting a wildfire.”

DNR firefighters and cooperators have spent the past two weeks fighting several fires grouped as the Rugged Terrain Complex, including the Ridge Fire 10 miles north of Marquette, the Craig Lake Fire and the Black River Fire near Wakefield in Gogebic County. Together they total nearly 1,400 acres and, as of Wednesday evening, each fire was at least 50% contained.

Always check for a permit before burning to make sure weather conditions allow for a safe fire. Here are more tips:

• Call 911 immediately If a backyard fire gets away from you. Do not 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, as heat from the exhaust can spark a fire.
• 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.

Find more tips at Michigan.gov/FireManagement.