Fire Danger Ratings across the Upper Peninsula of Michigan are very high this coming weekend. The Hiawatha National Forest is strongly encouraging forest visitors to have campfires only in Forest Service installed and maintained fire rings, which can be found in campgrounds and designated campsites on the forest.
With dry conditions and high winds expected, vigilance is needed to ensure campfire safety.
One rule of thumb is to Know Before You Go! You can check the current fire danger through the Great Lakes Fires and Fuels website, as well as the U.S. Drought monitor for the Midwest website. For all outdoor burning, including campfires, be sure to check the MI-DNR burn permit web-based map prior to lighting any brush or debris piles. And, here are some tips to help keep your fire contained and controlled.
Keep your fire small and stay away from using flammable liquids like gasoline to start your fire. When you’re done, cool your coals. Allowing your fire to burn down to white ash and stirring the coals can release trapped heat that will keep your campfire hot. Then Drown, Stir, Feel, repeat, until your fire is dead out and cold to the touch. Popping, crackling and hissing indicate the fire is still hot, you should continue to add water and stir until you can touch the coals, making sure they are cold to the touch.
Remember to fully extinguish your campfire before going to bed or leaving your site. Unattended campfires risk wildfires. If it’s too hot to touch, it’s too hot to leave.
For more information about having safe campfires this weekend, check out Smokey Bear’s How-To page on campfire safety.
Comments