The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for Michigan's Lower Peninsula and parts of the Upper Peninsula due to an increased wildfire risk. Residents are advised to postpone any planned burns. The warning is due to warm temperatures, gusty winds, and low humidity, with winds reaching up to 25 miles per hour, according to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.
Michigan residents are asked to take storm debris to collection stations instead of burning it. The list of stations is available on the Michigan.gov/IceStorm dashboard. For yard debris, a burn permit can be obtained online or through the local fire department, as reported by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.
Fire management officials urge the public to never leave fires unattended. Campfires should be fully extinguished, and a water source should be nearby when burning. Avoid fire hazards like dragging chains or parking hot machinery on dry grass. Do not burn plastics or hazardous materials, and use a burn barrel with a screen for paper and leaves. More tips are available at Michigan.gov/FireManagement, as stated by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.
