Michigan DNR Warns Of Labor Day Weekend Fire Danger

There is rain in the forecast, but it may not be enough to stop the high risk of fire across Michigan over Labor Day weekend.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources says the western half of the Upper Peninsula and the central counties of northern Lower Michigan face the highest risk this weekend.

The DNR gives us a few ideas on how to stay safe this weekend.

• Clear away all flammables before lighting your fire.
• Never leave any fire unattended, even for a moment.
• Keep all campfires and debris fires small.
• Have water available in case your fire begins to flare up.
• If your fire does escape, call 911 immediately before attempting to put it
  out.
• When you are done with your fire, drown it with plenty of water. Wet
  everything thoroughly, especially the undersides of unburned pieces. Stir the
  ashes to find any hot spots and wet everything again with more water.
• Do not simply bury your fire with soil. Dry soil will not extinguish the
  fire, and it will not protect someone from being burned if they fall or walk
  into it.
• Always be sure fires are completely out. Carelessness and improperly
  extinguished coals are the leading causes of escapes.

A little common sense always comes in handy too.

Don't get on Smokey's bad side.