A burn ban remains in effect for Laketown Township and the area of Fillmore Township covered by the Graafschap Fire Department.
The ban was first put in place before the Memorial Day holiday weekend.
No substantial rain is expected through the weekend, though some scattered showers are forecast for today and Thursday, according to the National Weather Service in Grand Rapids.
Little rain
This May could be the driest since 1987, according to WZZM.
“Fire weather concerns will remain higher than usual through the weekend,” the weather service wrote on its website regarding conditions Thursday through Tuesday. “Slightly less-dry air may flow through on Saturday, though winds may be a little breezier on both Saturday and Sunday. Somewhat cooler (less hot) air may move through on Sunday, but it could be very dry again.”
The Department of Natural Resources is not permitting any open burning from Muskegon, Newaygo and Mecosta counties north through the Upper Peninsula.
Allegan County is in both a very high and extreme risk categories for wildfires, Allegan County Emergency Management said in a Facebook post on Tuesday.
When the fire danger is very high, fires will start easily from most causes. The fires will spread rapidly and have a quick increase in intensity, right after ignition. Small fires can quickly become large fires and exhibit extreme intensity.
When the fire danger is extreme, fires of all types start quickly and burn intensely. All fires are potentially serious and can spread very quickly with intense burning.
Laketown permits
Burn permits are required for any open fires in Laketown Township. The area west of 66th Street is not allowed to have open fires unless permission is granted by the fire chief or his designee.
Normally, permits can be obtained by calling the fire station at (616) 396-4060 or the township office at (616) 335-3050 during regular business hours. During non-business hours, contact Chief Doug DenBleyker at (616) 218-3227 or Deputy Fire Chief Mike Capel at (616) 886-9232.