Warm temperatures and strong winds combined with dry grass, leaves and pine needles on the ground have prompted the Michigan Department of Natural Resources to ask residents to restrict outdoor burning today.

Conditions are dry across the entire lower peninsula and in the southern half of the upper peninsula from Iron County to Mackinac County

“We are currently seeing a significant increase in wildfire activity,” said Paul Rogers, fire prevention specialist for the DNR. “We are asking residents to restrict outdoor burning due to dry conditions.”

The DNR also has canceled plans for prescribed burns today.

Temperatures are expected to hit 80 degrees in parts of the lower peninsula, with winds gusting up to 30 mph in some parts of the state.

Anyone who plans to burn in the northern lower peninsula or upper peninsula must go online to michigan.gov/burnpermit to see if a burn permit is needed in specific counties and/or townships. People in the southern Lower Peninsula should check with their local municipalities for burning regulations.

Campfires are still allowed, but if you build one, make sure to have a water source and shovel available to extinguish it.

You also can check with the National Weather Service for weather-related burn advisories.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state’s natural and cultural resources for current and future generations, according to DNR officials. For more information, visit michigan.gov/dnr.