WEXFORD COUNTY — With temperatures warming up and snow starting to melt, Northern Michigan fire departments are gearing up for wildfire season. Even with rain predicted in the forecast, there’s still a concern about wildfires as we head toward spring.
The Cherry Grove Township Fire Chief in Wexford County said the dangers of wildfires are dependent on the weather but it can happen at any moment.
“It’s hard to say. It just depends on when the snow melts. And, you know, things start to dry up a little bit when the sun comes out. But, I mean, realistically, to happen any time. He said he’s already heard of a couple of fires that happened Tuesday downstate.
“A lot of the issues that we have with wildfires or grass fires, generally something happens and then it’s left unattended and then you know, it turns into something bigger than just burning sticks in the yard,” said Knauf.
He said they are prepping their trucks for this year’s fire season.
“We make sure all our wildland stuff is up to date on the trucks that it needs to be. Our trucks filled with water and the pumps are operational. We do a little bit of maintenance,” said Knauf.
He said his department will be informed about weather and ground conditions from other state agencies in the near future to help them get ready for what is likely to come.
“We have a briefing coming up with the state DNR, and then, they’ll let us know what the conditions are for this year, and then we just plan accordingly from that,” said Knauf.
Knauf said they also do what they can to clean up debris to reduce the risk of wildfires, and homeowners should do the same.
“Clean up all the leaves that you might have missed before the snow hit. Clean up the sticks. You know, make sure that there’s nothing that can. You know, if you start a small area on fire, it’s going to let for the dead stuff in order to to travel,” said Knauf.
He also said if you plan to burn, the DNR has an interactive map online that lets you know in which counties you are permitted to burn or you can contact your local fire department. He shared some reminders if you are planning to burn.
“Don’t leave it unattended, have a hose. Don’t use accelerants because we have a lot of issues from that. Make sure that you have service in case you need to call 911. Don’t burn near the wood line where there’s a possibility that it can catch dead leaves or branches. Don’t burn next to your house,” said Knauf.
He said even with all the snow we’ve seen this winter, that doesn’t necessarily mean fire danger will be any lower come spring.
“We just never know, like, you know, we could have a string of 100 degree days for a month, and that dries everything out,” said Knauf.