WHITE CLOUD, Mich. — It's been gorgeous outside lately, but all that weather comes at a cost.
The U.S. Forest Service lists all of Michigan at least at high risk for wild fires.
Abby Watkins is the Director of Newaygo County's Emergency Services. With an increased risk of fire this week, the Department of Natural Resources is not issuing burn permits. Watkins explains the consequences of illegal burns in the county.
"There is no burn permits being issued right now because of the extreme fire danger," said Watkins. "And so, there is no burning and there is a fine if you do burn, and you are liable for any damages that are caused by that fire if it loses control."
The cause of the conditions favorable for a fire?
"We did not have snow on the ground for most of the winter," said Watkins. "We kind of came in different storms and so we didn't have that moisture or that wetness that typically helps feed the pine trees as well as keep the leaves moist in the spring and tell things green up. So, things are very dry right now."
Tuesday night going into Wednesday, the United States Department of Agriculture lists Newaygo County area as very high for risk of fire, along with areas in Kent County, Kalamazoo County and Barry County.
Until fire-risk conditions improve, Watkins makes a request for everyone in her county.
"Please do not burn, you are liable if you do burn," said Watkins. "There are fees associated had with it response cost associated with it. It's not worth the risk. And it puts our firefighters in danger as well trying to fight fires in this condition."
In 2018, the county saw a 105-acre wild fire in the City of Newaygo. Watkins told 13 ON YOUR SIDE conditions for that fire were similar to what the area is seeing now.
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