Increased Fire Risk in West Michigan This Week

Hold off on that bonfire...

While the warm temperatures in West Michigan are lovely this week, there's also an increased risk of fire.

Get our free mobile app

The Grand Rapids Fire Department is asking for the public's help to reduce the risk of fire.

GRFD reminds residents that recreational fire use is prohibited on high-risk days like today.

The National Weather Service in Grand Rapids has issued a Red Flag Warning about an increased fire danger in West Michigan Wednesday April 12 and Thursday April 13, 2023.

NWS says critical fire conditions are happening now. The combination of strong winds, low relative humidity and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire behavior.

NWS

Warm, dry air and gusty winds will result in a higher chance of fires quickly spreading out of control.

Temperatures through Saturday will be well above average, then a cooldown is expected early next week with chances for precipitation

The public is advised to be careful with any activities that could potentially lead to a wildfire:

Camping
Outdoor grills
Smoking materials
Chain saws
All terrain vehicles

The DNR reminds Michiganders that nine out of 10 wildfires are caused by people, and yard debris burning is the top cause of wildfires in Michigan.

Burn permits will not be issued for the next few days, according to the DNR. More information on burn permits can be found here.

The DNR offers the below tips to keep fires under control:

Contain your campfire or bonfire in a pit or ring and make sure you put it out thoroughly before leaving for the night. Douse the fire with water, stir the ashes and douse again.
Never leave any fire — including hot coals — unattended.
Keep a hose or other water source nearby when burning.
Prevent sparks. Keep trailer chains from dragging when you’re on the road; don’t park hot equipment on dry grass.
Never shoot fireworks into the woods, dry grass or shrubs.

LOOK: The most expensive weather and climate disasters in recent decades

Stacker ranked the most expensive climate disasters by the billions since 1980 by the total cost of all damages, adjusted for inflation, based on 2021 data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The list starts with Hurricane Sally, which caused $7.3 billion in damages in 2020, and ends with a devastating 2005 hurricane that caused $170 billion in damage and killed at least 1,833 people. Keep reading to discover the 50 of the most expensive climate disasters in recent decades in the U.S.