Planning to have a bonfire this weekend? Michigan DNR urges safety to prevent wildfires
(Photo: Zdeněk Chalupský/Pixabay)
DETROIT (FOX 2) - While this weekend will be good for a bonfire, dry grass and leaves left over from the winter can pose a fire risk.
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is urging people to be careful with their fires to prevent wildfires.
It's not just bonfires that can be dangerous, though. ORVs and lawn equipment can cause fires when used near dry leaves or grass.
"Nine out of 10 wildfires in Michigan are caused by people, but following a few simple fire safety tips can reduce the risk for everyone," said Paul Rogers, fire prevention specialist with the DNR.
Rogers offered fire safety tips:
- Always check for permission to burn before lighting a fire. In the southern Lower Peninsula, check with your local fire authorities. For the northern Lower and Upper peninsulas, go online at Michigan.gov/BurnPermit or call 866-922-BURN (866-922-2876) to make sure conditions are appropriate for safe burning. When you do burn, clear the area of dry grass and leaves down to mineral soil. Keep your fire at least 10 feet away from any logs, stumps or other debris.
- Never leave any fire unattended, even for a moment.
- Keep a hose or other water source nearby.
- When you’re finished burning, douse your fire with water, stir the ashes and douse again before leaving the site.
- If you are operating an ORV, power tools or other machinery, remember that a hot muffler or engine can ignite dry leaves or grass, so keep machines away from those and other potential fuel sources. Trailer chains dragging on pavement can also cause sparks that could start a fire.