Red flag warnings issued: NWS says conditions could spark wildfires across state
LANSING — A break in mid-Michigan's run of soggy spring weather is causing an altogether different concern: An elevated risk of runaway brush fires leading officials to issue red flag warnings.
Fire officials in some area communities issued outdoor burning bans on Wednesday, citing a heightened potential for brush fires caused by dry conditions, strong winds and warm temperatures.
The National Weather Service in Grand Rapids issued a "red flag" warning from noon until 8 p.m. Wednesday, saying conditions were prime for brush fires with dry, windy, warm conditions and lots of dry vegetation on the ground.
"Be careful with any activities that could potentially lead to a wildfire," the weather service said. "Camping...outdoor grills...smoking materials...chain saws...and all terrain vehicles all have the potential to throw a spark and ignite a dangerous and destructive fire."
A handful of brush fires have been reported over the past couple of days in the Lansing area, including a grass fire Tuesday along Upton Road in Clinton County. The fire spread to at least 2 acres, and it took firefighters from four agencies about 90 minutes to put it out, the Bath Township Fire Department said in a Facebook post.
Firefighters on Wednesday responded to a report of mulch on fire along Grand River Avenue in Meridian Township.
The Grand Ledge Area Fire Department, Meridian Township Fire Department and Delhi Township Fire Department announced Wednesday they were suspending burn permits until further notice. The Mason and Leslie fire departments said outdoor burning would not be allowed on Wednesday because of the red flag warning.
Dry, warm conditions are likely to continue until this weekend.
Forecasters were calling for highs in the mid- to high 70s through Saturday, with a chance of showers or thunderstorms on Saturday and rain likely on Sunday.
Contact Ken Palmer at kpalmer@lsj.com. Follow him on Twitter @KBPalm_lsj.
This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: Red flag warnings across Michigan as wildfire risk soars
