Drought-dried grasses and wind gusts up to 40 mph are expected to create dangerous wildfire conditions across the Upper Peninsula this weekend, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources warned Thursday, Oct. 8.
Forecasters identified Saturday, Oct. 10, as a particular concern. The DNR expects unseasonably warm temperatures in the 70s with strong southerly winds of 10 to 20 mph and afternoon and evening gusts reaching 40 mph. Forecasters at the National Weather Service in Marquette said the combination of ongoing drought, near-record warmth, gusty winds and low afternoon humidity will push conditions to elevated-to-critical fire weather levels Saturday.
Central and western UP locations could see highs in the 80s with relative humidity dropping below 35 percent, according to MyUPNow.
"With the continued drought, we are experiencing extended mop-up times as fires are burning deep below the leaves and grass on the ground and into the soils," Paul Rogers, fire prevention specialist with the Michigan DNR, said in the agency's news release reproduced by SooLeader.
Rogers said dry grass and fallen leaves provide additional material for fires to burn. Strong winds can spread embers far from a fire, the DNR said.
The DNR urged residents to check whether burn permits are being issued before burning yard debris. Additional fire safety information is available at Michigan.gov/FireManagement. The agency also offered these safety steps:
- Call 911 as soon as a backyard fire escapes control, before attempting to extinguish it.
- Have water readily available whenever you burn.
- Park equipment away from dry grass, which can ignite from a hot exhaust.
- Secure trailer chains so they cannot scrape the pavement and create sparks.
- Use a fire pit or metal ring for campfires and bonfires. Before leaving, soak the fire, stir its ashes and add more water.
- Stay with a fire while it or its coals remain hot.
MyUPNow’s Oct. 8 forecast places the next chance of rain late Monday, Oct. 12.
