As wildfires rage up north, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is sounding the alarm about “extreme” fire danger in western Michigan. The agency is urging people to be cautious and avoid using top-of-the-line fire-making equipment, such as charcoal grills or fireworks.
According to the DNR, the current fire danger is due to an uncommonly dry and warm spring that has produced prime conditions for wildfires to spread quickly. This is compounded by an increased demand for outdoor activities during the ongoing pandemic, which has caused more people to turn to the outdoors for recreation and relaxation.
The DNR is advising people to follow basic fire safety tips, such as keeping a bucket of water nearby when using a campfire, avoiding using fire in areas with dry or dead vegetation, and never leaving a fire unattended.
In addition, the agency is reminding people not to burn leaves, yard waste, or garbage, as this can quickly create a dangerous situation.
As we see wildfires causing destruction and even fatalities across the U.S. annually, it’s important to heed these warnings and take every precaution to prevent such natural disasters from occurring. It’s crucial to the safety of people and wildlife in the affected areas, and ultimately in the overall health of our planet.
Quick Links