Michigan’s natural resources officials are warning that sunny, dry fall weather will bring bigger risk of wildfires – especially in ice storm-damaged areas in Northern Michigan.

The state Department of Natural Resources said that although spring is the typical fire season in Michigan, a forecast of dry weather combined with tons of downed wood from this year’s catastrophic ice storm will heighten wildfire risks this autumn.

“We had a dry fall last year and many fire runs,” said state fire official Jeff Vasher, DNR resource protection manager.

He encouraged Michigan residents and visitors to be careful with recreational campfires, when riding off-road vehicles, and otherwise enjoying the outdoors.

The DNR is drawing particular attention to the parts of Northern Michigan where an epi

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