Ice shanties popped up across some Northeast Michigan lakes as mild temperatures slid into the region this week.

While local ice anglers often know ice safety precautions, they should always check ice conditions, especially in unfamiliar locations, said Mark Hansen, Alpena Township fire chief.

Warming temperatures, while making outdoors time appealing, also mean possible thinning of ice, making the ice untrustworthy, Hansen said.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources cautions that ice thickness does not indicate its level of safety, as temperature changes and other variations can increase or decrease ice stability at any thickness.

News Photo by Julie Riddle An ice fisherman trudges across slippery ice on Grand Lake on Thursday.

Thursday’s warmth meant a slippery walk as anglers headed to fishing holes on Grand Lake and the Thunder Bay River in Alpena on Thursday.

Those fishing on ice should always bring precautionary tools like floatation cushions, ice picks, depth tools, and a fishing buddy, Hansen said.

While emergency responders — who train every year in ice rescue techniques and sometimes have to use those skills — believe no ice is safe ice, experienced anglers can navigate local ice safely, as long as they take nothing for granted, he cautioned.

Comparing a frozen lake to an ice cube tray, in which ice rarely forms evenly, Hansen said anglers should remember that underwater springs, varying water depths, and other factors can leave unexpected thin spots that can endanger anyone walking on the ice.

Check ice thickness often, be prepared, and, if you don’t know a lake well, ask someone who does, Hansen said.

Julie Riddle can be reached at 989-358-5693, jriddle@thealpenanews.com or on Twitter @jriddleX.