Afternoon temperatures around eighty degrees, humidity levels at or below twenty-five percent, and southerly winds at 10-20 mph have prompted the weather service to issue a fire weather watch for most of Northern MI and the U.P. Some areas haven't seen rain in over ten days!  While the weather is beautiful and makes for a great day outside, it also makes conditions right for wildfires.

At this time, burn permits are not being issued, and due to high fire risk communities are being asked to be extra careful when burning anything until we get some decent rainfall.

Lieutenent Kyle Clute of the GT Metro Fire Dept. wants to stress making sure your campfire is out completely. If burning, keep a water source nearby and keep your fire moderatin size. And, check the fire again in the morning to make sure it's completely out-especially with the weather conditions expected to continue.

To prepare for the possibility of a wildfire, the DNR is on stand by with fire crews for the upcoming week, and possibly through the holiday weekend. All crews have their pagers set to remain on at all times, and some members of the DNR are staying on call at the local fire stations.

Northern MI communities are asked to pay attention to fire weather watches and red flag warnings, and use extra precaution until conditions improve.