Michigan firefighters are in the middle of a busy spring wildfire season. Thirty-five wildfires have popped up across the state in the last month. Fire officials say higher temperatures – combined with low humidity and high winds – have made conditions dangerous.
Debra-Ann Brabazonmanages the Michigan Inter-Agency Dispatch Center in Cadillac. She says a recent period of sunny skies has led many people outdoors to clean up yard waste.
“And unfortunately, those are when we hit what we call ‘red flag’ conditions, when the conditions are just right with humidity, winds and temperatures that there’s more of a chance of an active wildfire … not only igniting but also growing,” says Brabazon.
Brabazon advises landowners to consider other uses for yard waste – like mulching and composting.
The National Weather Service is calling for “hazardous” fire weather across northern Michigan into this weekend.