The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is reminding residents about harmful invasive species and diseases in untreated firewood as well as fire safety tips this camping season. (DNR photo)

The Michigan Departments of Agriculture and Rural Development and Natural Resources are reminding residents and visitors that invasive pests and diseases can hitchhike in untreated firewood, spreading easily from one location to another. Many of these harmful pests, including hemlock woolly adelgid, Asian longhorned beetle and oak wilt are difficult to see with the naked eye, making them easy to transport unintentionally.

Campers also should be mindful of general fire safety to reduce the risk of wildfires, especially during dry summer months and near heavily wooded areas.

Simple safety tips include:

– Keep fires small and manageable.

– Build fires away from trees and low-hanging branches.

– Never leave a fire unattended, even for a minute.

– Always douse fires thoroughly with water, stir the ashes and douse again when finished.