Grand Rapids’ Dry Fall Could Spark a Dangerous Fire Season

If you’ve noticed how dry your yard has been lately, you’re not imagining it. Grand Rapids and much of West Michigan are in the middle of a serious dry spell, and it couldn’t come at a worse time.

October is Fire Prevention Month, and while it’s meant to remind us about safety in our homes, this year the biggest danger might actually be outside.

Since August 1st, Grand Rapids has seen a rainfall deficit of about 2.5 inches. That might not sound like much, but when you add weeks of dry air, windy days, and dropping humidity, it’s the perfect setup for fires to spread fast.

As the leaves start to pile up, those crispy layers become more than just a sign of fall, they’re now basically just extra fuel waiting to ignite.

Michael McLeier with E.S.C.A.P.E. Fire Safety put it bluntly when he spoke with our friends at Fox17: the combination of drought, dry leaves, and wind is “a recipe for disaster.” And recent wildfires across Michigan are proof. Crews near Houghton Lake just spent days containing a blaze that spread under similar conditions.

Experts say the biggest cause of wildfires this time of year is people burning when they shouldn’t be. Whether it’s yard waste, leaves, or bonfires on a windy afternoon, you should probably avoid starting fires for now.

The Michigan DNR continues to monitor fire danger levels, but with the weather staying dry, it’s up to all of us to be careful.

Before lighting anything outdoors, check the forecast and local burn restrictions. Never use accelerants, keep water close by, and always stay with your fire until it’s completely out. Even a small spark can spread quickly when the ground is this dry.

As we enjoy the last crisp weeks of fall, it’s a good time to remember that safety isn’t just about smoke detectors and fire drills, we’re also aiming to protect our neighborhoods, parks, and forests from wildfires that start close to home.

(And of course, check in with our friends at Fox17 when you need a look at our next shot at rain here in West Michigan.)