Many Michiganders’ favorite summer things involve fire, sparks and heat. Campfires, fireworks and a spin in an off-road vehicle: We love these as much as anyone, but safety has to come first.

People are responsible for starting nine out of 10 wildfires – almost never on purpose – and nearly all of these could have been prevented.

Next time you plan to burn, keep these safety tips in mind:

• Build your campfire in a metal ring or pit. Never leave a fire unattended, even for a moment. When you're done, thoroughly douse the fire with water, stir and douse again.
• When using fireworks, keep a hose handy and make sure to soak used sparklers in water before discarding them. Never shoot fireworks into dry grass, brush or trees.
• When barbecuing, never leave the grill unattended and keep a water source nearby.
• Taking a trailer up north? Ensure tow chains don't drag and cause sparks, which can light a fire along the road’s edge.
• Avoid using heavy machinery like lawnmowers in dry areas. Don’t park an ORV or other vehicle on dry grass, as a hot exhaust system can ignite the grass.
• Before burning yard debris, see if burn permits are being issued or if weather conditions allow for safe burning. Check the?burn permit page?or call?866-922-BURN?(866-922-2876) for more information. People in Michigan’s 12-county ice storm emergency area are asked to hold off on burning and to take fallen limbs and other debris to dropoff sites.
• If you do burn, keep your debris piles small. A large pile can burn for hours.

Learn more at?Michigan.gov/FireSafety. Questions? Contact DNR fire prevention specialist Paul Rogers at 616-260-8406.