The Michigan Department of Natural Resources gets right to the point, when it comes to fire safety. It is everyone’s responsibility. Nine out of ten wildfires in Michigan and across the nation are caused by humans, according to the agency. That’s shocking.

Here’s a handful of common sense DNR tips to prevent dangerous wildfires:

• When you burn

Always have a water source nearby.

Never leave a fire unattended, even for a minute.

Keep a metal shovel and bucket nearby.

Put out fires completely with water every time.

Do not burn on windy days or during dry weather.

• At camp

Build your fire in a fire ring or on mineral soil.

When finished with your fire, douse it thoroughly with water, stir the ashes and douse again. Repeat until cool.

Watch for embers that can float out of a fire an ignite dry grass or leaves.

Soak used fireworks in water before discarding. Do not use sky lanterns or aerial fireworks in state parks or recreation areas.

• Debris burning

Make sure you have permission to burn (burn permit)

Keep your fire small and manageable – no larger than three feet high and wide.

Consider composting or recycling yard waste instead of burning

Your fire should be at least 10 feet away from logs, stumps or debris.

Make sure no tree branches are hanging over your fire pit.

• At home

Consider using fire-smart landscaping – get tips from the national Firewise program, such as:

Trimming low branches.

Mowing the lawn regularly.

Removing dead vegetation and brush.

Use nonflammable landscaping materials and high-moisture content plants. Water plants, trees and mulch regularly. Create nonflammable fuel breaks like driveways and walkways in your yard to stop the spread of wildfire.

Every year in Superiorland, it seems, acreage is blackened because someone was careless with fire. Although so far so good this summer, it’s a long time to fall rains and winter snows.

Let’s all of us decide to be smart and not start any fires this summer.