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Fire danger high; burn bans in effect

The U.S. Drought Monitor on Thursday placed Northeast Michigan at Drought- Zero level, which is abnormally dry. Level zero is the lowest level of drought.

Despite the threat of rain today, temperatures are expected to remain hot, with little precipitation. That has caused burn bans in many local communities.

According to Alpena Township Fire Chief Dave Robbins the weather over the last month has caused severe drying of grass and other vegetation, which are now ripe for grass and field fires. He said that, even with the rain, it’s likely the threat for fire will linger for some time.

“I check the (Michigan Department of Natural Resources) warning level and I can’t remember the last time the threat was at low,” Robbins said. “There has been pretty much a ‘no burn’ for an entire month.”

In Alpena Township, there is a no-burn order for its residents because the smallest spark or ember could start a fire that could spread quickly. Robbins said the department has been responding to grass and brush fires for several weeks, as well as to scenes where an unauthorized burn is taking place.

On Thursday, Alpena Township provided mutual aid to Maple Ridge Fire Department to help a blaze that consumed about two acres of land before it could be extinguished.

“With these conditions, these fires can double in size in 30 seconds to a minute,” Robbins said. “Especially when there is wind like what we have been having. The dry conditions are absolutely horrible and people need to be careful.”

Not all of the fires have been started by people making bonfires or burning brush. Robbins said a fire can start from throwing a cigarette butt or match on the ground. He said one of the main culprits of recent fires are fireworks.

“‘Tis the season,” he said. “People are in a celebratory mood right now and with the type of fireworks available to them, fires can start very easily. Some that go airborne can start a fire well away from where it was lit.”

Cookouts are also popular this time of year and some people like to use charcoal grills to cook. People emptying their grills should be sure the coals are cool, Robbins said. It’s also wise to douse the coals with water before emptying it.

Robbins says people should not burn anything until the DNR determines it is safe and lowers its threat level.

He said it’s likely people will burn things, anyway. If that causes a fire, Robbins urges people to call firefighters and not try to put it out themselves.

“Do not leave the fire unattended and have a source of water nearby,” Robbins said. “People think they will be able to control it, but once it gets away from them, it can become dangerous. If that happens, people should call 911 and we will come out and use the tools we have, like the brush truck, to put it out. The best thing to do is just not to burn, though.”

Steve Schulwitz can be reached via email at sschulwitz@thealpenanews.com or by phone at 358-5689. Follow Steve on Twitter @ss_alpenanews.

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