ESCANABA — Spring is a busy time for area firefighters as the risk of wildfires increases dramatically.

Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Deputy Public Information Officer John Pepin said wildland fires occur regularly in the Upper Peninsula during spring.

“Before new, green grasses and other plants cover the ground, the dead and dried materials from the previous fall remain. As these materials dry out with warmer temperatures, lower humidities and winds, the potential for wildfire increases,” Pepin explained.

Most wildfires are caused by human activity, according to Pepin, which means they are preventable.

“Over the past decade, debris burning is by far the greatest cause of wildland fires in Michigan, though lightning-sparked blazes are the fire source responsible for burning the most acreage,” he said.

The DNR states that nearly nine out of 10 wildfires are caused by humans.

Human-related causes may include power lines, arson, debris burning, campfires, fireworks, smoking and more.

According to data collected by the DNR, the Upper Peninsula has had 1,347 wildfires since 2006.

In 2024, the U.P. experienced 97 wildfires, the most since 2018, when there were 73 wildfires.

Considering the majority of these fires are preventable, Pepin offered potential lifesaving and property-saving advice for the public.

Should an individual decide to burn, they should first check www.Michigan.gov/BurnPermit to determine whether burning is allowed in the area on that day.

“This determination is based on fire weather conditions and state or local ordinances and directives. When debris burning, do so in a barrel and keep a water source nearby. Do not leave fires unattended, and make sure fires are extinguished fully before leaving the area,” Pepin said.

When burning, the DNR recommends taking several steps, including always having a water source nearby; never leaving a fire unattended, even for a minute; Keeping a metal shovel and bucket nearby; putting out fires completely with water every time; and not burning on windy days or during dry weather.

Burns should also be clean fires, meaning they should only be made using natural materials such as trees, brush, or logs.

Burning trash is illegal in Michigan, and burning items such as electronics, plastic, foam, rubber, or even chemically treated wood may release cancer-causing chemicals into the air. The ashes from certain inappropriate materials can contaminate soil and groundwater.

Home and business owners can take preventative measures to ensure fire safety, including trimming low branches, mowing the lawn regularly, and removing dead vegetation and brush.

Should a fire occur near a home or business, call 911 immediately and alert others in the area (if possible) of the fire.

“Direct arriving firefighters to the blaze, tell them about any known threats in the area, like chemicals, fuels or other potential dangers,” Pepin said.

He said a common misconception is people believe they can fight a fire using a garden hose or other household items, but wildfires can quickly get out of hand.

“Contact emergency responders immediately if a fire gets beyond your control,” he said.

He added that while wildfires are a typical occurrence in the U.P., they can be prevented through proper safety steps and education.

“Though wildfires are a regular occurrence in the Upper Peninsula during springtime, containing them before they threaten people, property or natural resources is possible if firefighters are summoned early. With the majority of wildfires caused by human activities, the best tools we have for fighting wildland fires are educating ourselves about fire safety and taking measures to prevent wildfires from starting or spreading,” Pepin said.

Visit www.michigan.gov/dnr/education/safety-info/fire for more information regarding wildfire safety.