Seasonal drought conditions continue to spread across the U.P., and the state, and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources is asking residents to exercise extreme caution when burning and to consider whether burning at this time of year is necessary. Although weather has brought much needed rain to the area, the precipitation is not enough to render forested areas safe from wildfire. Burn permits are necessary for most types of fires and residents can find more information on current and predicted fire danger at michigan.gov/prevent wildfires.