(WXYZ) — As we approach the Fourth of July, the U.S. Forest Service is reminding people that fireworks and other pyrotechnic devices are prohibited inside national forests, like the Huron-Manistee National Forest.
According to the USFS, the Huron-Manistee National Forests have already responded to nearly 90 wildfires this season.
“There’s no better way to celebrate America’s independence than to explore your national forests,” said Huron-Manistee National Forests Fire and Aviation Staff Officer Chris Peterson. “But fireworks pose a substantial wildfire risk and should be left at home.”
According to Peterson, more than 98 percent of those wildfires were human-caused and therefore preventable, but fireworks weren't the only culprit.
“Campfire safety is paramount through the summer months,” said Wildfire Prevention and Mitigation Education Specialist D-A Brabazon. “The landscape may look green, but wildfires can occur any time the ground is not completely snow-covered.”
Those who have campfires are asked to drown each campfire in water, stirring the mixture, and making sure it's cold to the couch before leaving. Embers can smolder for days.
They are urging residents to:
- Ensure that cigarettes, cigars, and tobacco pipes are fully extinguished when not in use;
- Wait for lighting and heating devices to cool before refueling them; and
- Properly install and maintain spark arresting devices on all internal combustion engines, including those found in all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and motorcycles.
