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Be aware of fire risk this summer

Weather across Michigan has been great leading up to the official start of summer — mostly warm, sunny and dry. But that means a higher risk of wildfires.

So far this season, DNR fire staffers have fought more than 130 fires on nearly 600 acres.

To further reduce the risk of fire:

– Be careful when using all-terrain vehicles, lawn mowers or other outdoor machinery. In dry conditions, even heat from a lawn mower or exhaust pipe of an ATV can ignite dry grass. A trailer chain dragging on pavement can create sparks that ignite grass.

– Never leave any fire unattended, even for a moment. Make sure all debris fires and campfires are extinguished before leaving the area.

– Learn more about specific fire danger by region, or get fire prevention tips.

Looking ahead, state park campgrounds across Michigan open today. The DNR reminds campers that campfires are permitted only in designated fire rings; it’s best to purchase firewood at your destination, rather than bring firewood from home; and aerial fireworks and sky lanterns are not permitted at state park campgrounds.

Also, in a continued effort to slow the spread of COVID-19, anyone working outside is urged to practice safe social distancing of 6 feet or more when with others who live outside their households.

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