Sunny, dry fall weather means bigger fire risk, especially in northern Lower Peninsula

Michigan’s greatest fire risk is usually in the spring, but downed wood from the March ice storm in northern Michigan forests and a forecast string of dry days mean people need to be careful with fire through the fall.

“We had a dry fall last year and many fire runs,” said Jeff Vasher, resource protection manager for the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. “We want to remind people to be careful and always keep fire safety in mind when they are burning, riding off-road vehicles or enjoying other outdoor activities.”

People are responsible for starting nine out of 10 wildfires, and nearly all of these could have been prevented.

Risk is heightened in the northern portion of the Mitten where an ep

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