Journal photo by Annie Lippert The fire danger sign at the Michigan Department of Natural Resources office in Marquette read “very high” on Sunday. (

MARQUETTE — While a continued forecast of clear skies might be a welcome sight for Upper Peninsula residents still recovering from a snowy winter and cold spring, it comes with an increased risk of wildfires. But how has this dry weather been affecting the area in the absence of wildfires? It turns out that it’s not all bad news.

“We normally always see some dry spells this time of year,” said Ed Golder, Public Information Officer for the Department of Natural Resources. “Dry spells need to be for quite a few weeks before it starts to be considered a drought. We monitor the drought index on a weekly basis, and for the first time in three years there is no drought currently in Michigan.

Thanks to that snowy winter, the ground has been able to retain plenty of moisture to get through this lack of rain.

“Though the spring season has been unusually dry by rainfall standards, the volume of snow from the recent winter was greater than normal,” said Golder. “Averaged out, the vegetation may be able to comfortably grow and develop using what moisture remains in the ground. However, prolonged dry weather may yet have a negative impact on the local vegetation.”

Thankfully, the forecast is calling for some rain later in the week, which will hopefully hold. In the meantime, wildlife might be enjoying the recent sunshine as much as the humans have been.

“Wildlife may be benefiting from the rain-free weather of late,” said Golder. “This is because the young of the year (e.g. fledging birds, fawns) can be sensitive to cold and wet weather conditions. An animal receives most required hydration from food, but dehydration may become a challenge to wildlife if these dry conditions continue. Animals are very adaptable and may select for sites that are locally cooler, and movement patterns may also be adjusted to capitalize on the cooler periods of the day, such as twilight hours and during the night.”

Area residents should remain vigilant and careful about potential wildfires until the rain arrives.

“When we start reaching the ten day mark with no rain, grasses and other light vegetation will catch fire much quicker and larger fuels (sticks/branches) can become more susceptible to burning,” said Golder. “People need to be concerned, as fires can easily and quickly escape.”

“Always check our Burn Permit site first (Michigan.gov/burnpermit) to see if we are allowing burning,” said Golder. “If we are, always have water nearby (hose/pail) and a rake and shovel so if an ember happens to escape it can quickly be put out. Always check to make sure your fire is completely out before leaving it unattended.”