BY CONSUELO MCABOY
Labor Day weekend awaits us, which means it's time for outdoor activities with the family like hiking, biking and maybe even sitting around a campfire.
Although it all sounds fun, the DNR wants to remind everyone to keep fire safety in mind this upcoming holiday weekend.
Anyone who stayed in Michigan this summer would agree that we had an extremely hot summer with low rainfall for many areas.
These dry conditions have increased the potential for fires.
Usually the late August period is when temperatures start to cool down, but this upcoming weekend is expected to reach high temperatures.
Paul Kollmeyer is the Fire Prevention Specialist for the Department of Natural Resources. He said there have been a number of fires this year.
so far in 2012 the state of MI, department of natural resources has responded to 441 fires which total 23,375 acres which is a large amount of acreage
Kollmeyer said campfires and barbecues are prone to causing forest fires.
He said the best way to practice fire safety is to make sure to clear out all vegetation, have water handy and put the fire out before leaving.