This state park camper is keeping a close eye on his fire, exactly what the Michigan Department of Natural Resources wants him to do, especially during the current dry conditions. (Photo courtesy of Dave Kenyon, MDNR)

MARQUETTE — With no rain predicted until the end of next week, the Michigan Department of Natural resources continues to prohibit open debris burning in all 15 Upper Peninsula counties and approximately half of the Lower Peninsula.

Conditions in wooded areas are tinder dry in many locations. Fire danger remains high throughout the area.

According to the DNR, when fire danger levels are very high and extreme, firefighting units are strategically placed in key locations around the state for quick response in the event of a wildfire.

The agency works with partners including the USDA Forest Service, Michigan State Police, Great Lakes Forest Fire Compact members and local units to suppress large wildfires.

Prescribed burns are not conducted by department staff in extreme and high-risk periods.

Increased fire prevention and fire safety messaging are being conducted to inform the public of conditions and high-risk activities.

Here are some general fire safety tips from the DNR:

• Keep a hose or water source nearby when burning.

• Prevent sparks by ensuring trailer chains do not drag on roadways and avoiding parking hot equipment on dry grass.

• Keep campfires contained in a fire ring or pit and fully extinguish them before leaving. • Douse fires with water, stir ashes and douse again.

• Never leave fires or hot coals unattended.

• Never shoot fireworks into wooded areas, dry grass or shrubs.

• Avoid burning plastics, hazardous materials or household trash. Use only approved burn barrels with screens for natural materials such as paper and leaves.