NORTHERN MICHIGAN — With high winds and low humidity, the National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning, especially in the Northern Lower Peninsula and eastern U.P., according to a press release from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.
People interested in burning debris leftover from the late-March ice storm should instead bring the debris to designated disposal sites, which can be found on the state’s ice storm dashboard at michigan.gov/icestorm.
According to Paul Rogers, Michigan DNR fire prevention specialist, the warm temperatures, low humidity and wind gusts of up to 25 miles per hour were the reasons behind the temporary burn ban.
The release also reminds people to check online for burn permits to make sure conditions are safe for burning, and to check with local fire departments or municipalities before burning.
When burning in the future, DNR officials advise always keeping a hose or water source nearby to prevent sparks. When burning paper, leaves and natural materials, use a burn barrel with a screen on top. Do not burn plastic, hazardous materials, foam or household trash.
— Contact reporter Karly Graham at kgraham@petoskeynews.com. Follow her on Twitter at @KarlyGrahamJRN.