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Fire safety paramount this time of year

Even though there has been above-average precipitation lately, summer still is the hot season, meaning much of the state is dry.

Case in point: Multiple agencies contained a 46-acre wildlife that had been burning since Sunday near Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.

A cause hadn’t been determined, but dry weather typically doesn’t help in that kind of situation.

Michigan Department of Natural Resources wildland firefighters have fought more than 170 fires covering more than 3,200 acres so far this year.

So, fire safety is a high priority for anyone working or playing outdoors.

“We are beginning to see seasonal drought conditions across much of the state. Intermittent rainfall in some areas hasn’t been enough to lessen those conditions,” said Paul Rogers, DNR fire prevention specialist, in a news release. “We urge residents and visitors to use caution when burning.”

The DNR asks people to check Michigan.gov/BurnPermit before they burn to make sure weather conditions allow for safe burning, and when burning, to use extreme caution.

Nine out of 10 wildland fires are caused humans, according to the DNR, with yard waste burning is the top cause of wildfires in Michigan.

Fire danger goes up, the DNR noted, when weather is hot and dry and increases further when it’s windy. Windborne embers can turn a small fire into a large one.

Lightning strikes are another threat.

We agree with the DNR is that people should always keep these safety tips in mind when they’re outdoors:

≤ Keep campfires or bonfires contained in a pit or ring and make sure they are extinguished thoroughly before leaving for the night. Douse the fire with water, stir the ashes and douse again.

≤ Never leave any fire — including hot coals — unattended.

≤ Always keep a hose or other water source nearby when burning.

≤ Prevent sparks. Keep trailer chains from dragging; don’t park hot equipment on dry grass.

≤ Do not shoot fireworks into the woods, dry grass or shrubs.

≤ Use a burn barrel with a screen on top to burn paper, leaves and natural materials.

More fire safety tips can be found at Michigan.gov/FireManagement.

Actual blazes are not the only threat. The DNR pointed out that it’s illegal to burn plastic, hazardous materials, foam or other household trash since this can release dangerous chemicals into the air.

Summer is a great time to be outside, but those experiences come with responsibility. Keep fire safety in mind not only for friends and relatives but for anyone who enjoys the outdoors.

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