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Dry heat sparks fire danger in Michigan

Michigan’s warm, dry, weather has created a lot of beautiful days for outdoor activity — and a steeply increased risk of fire. That means taking extra care when camping, burning, or using equipment outdoors.

“Although there have been scattered rains, rainfall is below normal and it’s dry out there,” said Paul Rogers, fire prevention specialist with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. “People cause the vast majority of wildfires, so it’s critical to use common sense and be careful.”

Fire danger is elevated from the southwest corner of the state into the Upper Peninsula. The National Weather Service is issuing red flag warnings for spots around the state where very warm temperatures, low humidity and stronger winds are expected, including the northern Lower Peninsula and the Upper Peninsula.

Burn permits for yard debris will not be issued in many areas through the weekend; check Michigan.gov/BurnPermit in northern Michigan or contact local municipal or fire authorities in the southern Lower Peninsula.

Do not throw cigarettes or matches out the window of a moving vehicle. They can ignite grass on the side of the road.

Watch for dragging chains if you are pulling a trailer; they can create sparks.

Always make sure your campfire is out before you leave the area. Drown it with water.

DNR firefighters have responded so far this fire season to more than 227 fires blackening more than 2,200 acres.

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