MARQUETTE -- Even though we're seeing some rain, is it enough to quench the dry forests and avoid wildfires?
During the months of April and May, wildfire potential is highest. Weather conditions are key factors in developing wildfires. They easily occur with the combination of warmer temperatures, dry brush, and stronger winds.
Kari Flegel with the National Weather Service says we've started the year very dry with a lack of snow, rain, and warmer temperatures.
"What that does is dry everything out really quickly, and humidity plays a big part of that as well. If it's already dry from a lack of rain, then you have more drying during the afternoon hours; it can start a fire quickly," said Flegel.
She also adds even though we're seeing some potential for rain in the next couple of days, we aren't out of the woods yet.
Debris burning is the number one cause for wildfires in the state of Michigan, but you can prevent this from happening by doing it properly.
When it comes to protecting your house, make sure there's no fire wood around it. If you have any branches, leaves and brush near your house, clear them far away from your house.
If you are burning debris, do it away from the house, and make sure to douse it thoroughly with water.
Bryce Avery with the Department of Natural Resources says before doing any burning, check weather conditions.
"Make sure you get a burn permit. You can call the burn permit number, 1-866-922-2876. You can go online and get one at Michigan.gov/burnpermit. They're free and they give the current weather conditions, whether it's a safe day to burn or not," said Avery.
The most important tip: don't leave what you're burning.
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