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Firefighters from the Escanaba Department on Public Safety and other units around the county were called to numerous brush fires on Saturday, when warm, dry weather and high winds created conditions in which forest fires thrive. (R. R. Branstrom | Daily Press)

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An Escanaba Public Safety grass truck is seen parked alongside Canadian National railroad tracks in a northern part of the city on Saturday while firefighters tackled a brush fire in the woods. (R. R. Branstrom | Daily Press)

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ESCANABA — During the warmer months, as the Upper Peninsula attracts vacationers and locals enjoy time outdoors, mindful practices around vehicle operation, campfires and open burning can help protect the forests and structures from out-of-control fires.

Though many people see Smokey Bear on a sign urging people to beware of fire danger, the risks are not to be taken lightly — wildfires break out every year. Just this past weekend, numerous agencies were scrambling to extinguish brush fires around Delta County and other parts of Upper Michigan. Now, with summer kicking off, the addition of seasonal campers creates additional opportunities for careless behavior.

The Department of Natural Resources reminds people having campfires to always keep a water source next to the campfire, never leave a fire unattended, and to properly extinguish the campfire when finished by dousing with water and stirring dirt in with a shovel.

Vehicle sparks can start wildfires as well. Especially in hot, dry weather, parking a hot vehicle — such as a side-by-side or dirtbike — over grasses or leaf litter can start a fire. Other things that cause sparks and lead to larger blazes include dragging chains, lawnmower blades hitting rocks, and brakes. If a fire starts, a 911 call should be placed as soon as possible.

To see if open burning is permitted in certain places in Michigan, people may call 866-922-2876.