Gaylord, Mich. – Wildfire danger is spiking across northern Michigan today as dry air and gusty winds create hazardous burning conditions in wooded areas from Cadillac to Sault Ste. Marie.
According to the National Weather Service in Gaylord, relative humidity levels are dropping to between 20% and 30% this afternoon, with wind gusts topping out at 30 mph across exposed areas. The highest-risk zones include counties with dense pine networks, where fuels can ignite quickly under these conditions.
Areas like Mio, Gaylord, Grayling, and Poughkeepsie Lake are especially vulnerable, with humidity bottoming out near 23% in some pockets. Wind gusts are expected to peak at 24–26 mph in many of these spots. The fire risk is also elevated in Traverse City (48% humidity), where breezy northwest winds could carry embers across dry brush.
Officials are urging residents to avoid outdoor burning, secure any fire-prone debris, and refrain from tossing cigarettes or creating sparks near wooded land. Even brief flame exposure could ignite fast-spreading fires under these conditions.
Cooler air settles in tonight with lows dipping to the mid-30s. However, wildfire risk remains high through sunset. Check michigan.gov/dnr before burning — additional alerts may be issued this evening.
