LANSING, MI – The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is asking people to be careful if they want to have a fire.

In a media release, the DNR and the U.S. Forest Service says much of Michigan is at a “very high” or “extreme” fire risk. DNR Public Information Officer Patrick Ertel says the current conditions around Michigan haven’t been seen in over 20 years, and they are creating an unprecedented conditions for the possibility of a small fire to spread and grow quickly.

The DNR points to the Wilderness Trail Fire, that has burned approximately 2,400 acres of land, and was started by a campfire on private property near Lake Staley which is located near Grayling.

There’s been no significant rainfall in Southern Michigan for 18 days, and in the area of the wildfire, it’s been 29 days since there’s been rain.

Ertel reminds the public to be aware of the situation we are in right now in Michigan with the dry conditions. He says if you do want to have a fire, it must be contained in a fire ring. When you are ready to go inside, the fire should be doused with water and mixed with a shovel.

If you put your hand near the remnants and still feel any heat, Ertel says the fire is not out completely and could still be a risk.