Rising fire danger in northern Michigan prompts DNR to urge caution with outdoor activities

silhouette of bare trees surrounded fire at daytime

Rising fire danger in northern Michigan prompts DNR to urge caution with outdoor activities By Nick Lentz May 31, 2026 / 5:00 PM EDT / CBS Detroit Add CBS News on Google Elevated fire danger in northern Michigan has prompted the Department of Natural Resources to urge anyone in the area to be careful while engaging in activities outside. Paul Rogers, a fire prevention specialist with the state agency, said in a news release Friday that they weren’t expecting significant rainfall over the next 10 days, which greatly increases the risk for wildfires.  “Low moisture levels in conifer needles and dry pine fuels mean fires can start easily and spread quickly under the right conditions,” Rogers said. The agency is asking people to adhere to the following tips while enjoying the outdoors:

  • Keep a hose or water source nearby when burning.
  • Prevent sparks by ensuring trailer chains do not drag on roadways and avoiding parking hot equipment on dry grass.
  • Keep campfires contained in a fire ring or pit and fully extinguish them before leaving.
    • Douse fires with water, stir ashes and douse again.
  • Never leave fires or hot coals unattended.
  • Never shoot fireworks into wooded areas, dry grass or shrubs.
  • Avoid burning plastics, hazardous materials or household trash.
    • Use only approved burn barrels with screens for natural materials such as paper and leaves.

The DNR will not issue burning permits in the northern Lower Peninsula and Upper Peninsula while fire conditions are elevated, officials said.

“Residents in southern Michigan should check with their local fire department or municipality before conducting any outdoor burning,” the agency said.

Source: Rising fire danger in northern Michigan prompts DNR to urge caution with outdoor activities – CBS Detroit

Surely he will never be shaken; The righteous will be in everlasting remembrance.
Psalm 112:6

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Bright meteor gets attention Monday night across Great Lakes region

stars in the sky

If you missed the meteor sighting over Southeast Michigan early on May 27, perhaps you saw the latest one on Monday night.  A fireball, which is a bright meteor, was seen about 10:42 p.m. Eastern Time on Monday in a wider geographic area around Lake Erie than the one that was seen last week. The American Meteor Society said it received 197 reports from Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, New York, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Ontario of Monday’s meteor.  The Southeast Michigan reports came from places such as Brighton, Dexter, Detroit, Garden City, Ida, Madison Hights, Marysville, Milan, Smiths Creek and Tucker. 

The meteor view was described as bright blue/green; and the fragments broke up and burned up in the atmosphere.   “That was super cool. I’ve never seen anything like that,” one of the Michigan reports read.  “Several thousand meteors of fireball magnitude occur in the Earth’s atmosphere each day. The vast majority of these, however, occur over the oceans and uninhabited regions, and a good many are masked by daylight,” the American Meteor Society said.  

Source: Bright meteor gets attention Monday night across Great Lakes region – CBS Detroit

In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace.
Ephesians 1:7

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Beloved Detroit Zoo chimpanzee Abby dies at age 42

thoughtful chimpanzee portrait in black and white

Abby, a chimpanzee who has spent the last 38 years at the Detroit Zoo, has died, zoo officials announced on Thursday. She was 42. Zoo officials say Abby was “compassionately euthanized this week following a decline in her health related to kidney failure.” “Our veterinary and animal care teams worked closely to keep her comfortable throughout her care, and the decision was made with deep love and respect for her quality of life,” officials said.

Source: Beloved Detroit Zoo chimpanzee Abby dies at age 42 – CBS Detroit

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Black bear sightings confirmed in Flat Rock-Rockwood, Carleton areas

bear in close up

The Michigan DNR says residents in two Southeast Michigan communities have reported black bear sightings in recent days.  According to the DNR, the first sighting happened around 1:13 a.m. on May 10 when a black bear was captured on a cellular trail camera near Carleton in Monroe County. 

Source: Black bear sightings confirmed in Flat Rock-Rockwood, Carleton areas – CBS Detroit

Thus I establish My covenant with you: Never again shall all flesh be cut off by the waters of the flood; never again shall there be a flood to destroy the earth.
Genesis 9:11

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Dry conditions, high winds, feeding wildfire risk in parts of Michigan

the straits of mackinac under the mackinac bridge

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources says elevated fire danger has been observed across parts of the state.  The conditions are fueled by downed trees and branches left by the March 2025 ice storm. The severe weather at the time damaged around 3 million acres of land. “Even with the heavy rains this spring, recent drier weather in the northern Lower Peninsula and Upper Michigan means that last year’s grasses and leaves are becoming dry and will readily burn,” said Paul Rogers, fire prevention specialist for the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.  “In the ice storm area from last spring, the downed wood has been on the ground for a year, is starting to dry out, and can contribute to much hotter and more dangerous conditions if a fire gets started. While the temperatures have dropped, we are expecting to see elevated fire danger continue as we get closer to the weekend.” 

Source: Dry conditions, high winds, feeding wildfire risk in parts of Michigan – CBS Detroit

In God is my salvation and my glory; The rock of my strength, And my refuge, is in God.
Psalm 62:7

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Wildfire in northern Michigan 80% contained, sheriff’s office says

burning green grass

Authorities say a wildfire in northern Michigan that forced residents to evacuate is about 80% contained as of Monday night. According to the Oscoda County Sheriff’s Office, residents are safe to return home; however, non-residents are asked to avoid the area.  The sheriff’s office evacuated residents on Camp 10 Road, and a shelter was set up at the Tri-Point Church in Mio. “We thank everyone for their cooperation and patience during this incident. Emergency personnel will remain on scene and will continue operations until the fire is fully controlled,” the sheriff’s office said.

Source: Wildfire in northern Michigan 80% contained, sheriff’s office says – CBS Detroit

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.
2 Timothy 3:16-17

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Michigan Dem Senate candidate Mallory McMorrow purges X account following The Post’s report on her social media history

Woman with red hair wearing a red blazer looking surprised with mouth open and hands raised

Michigan Democrat Mallory McMorrow, a candidate for US Senate, deleted thousands of tweets, some of which defended “coastal elites” and were critical of “Middle America,” after The Post first reported on them last year.  Morrow, 39, purged her X account of roughly 6,000 posts, including all her tweets posted prior to 2020, CNN’s Andrew Kaczynski reported Wednesday.  The journalist noted the social media cleanse came after The Post’s April 2025 scoop on McMorrow’s tweet history. 

Source: Michigan Dem Senate candidate Mallory McMorrow purges X account following The Post’s report on her social media history

For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age.
Titus 2:11-12

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Man accused of running meth lab at Michigan State University’s Wells Hall

close up photo of chemicals in beakers

A man was arrested for allegedly running a meth lab inside Wells Hall at Michigan State University, police say. Court records show that 31-year-old Xin Tong was charged with malicious destruction of a building over $20,000 and operating/maintaining a lab involving methamphetamine. Tong was arraigned on Wednesday and received a $500,000 cash/surety bond. Officials say Wells Hall will be closed through Friday, May 1. The MSU Department of Police and Public Safety says it received a report of property damage inside the building last week and determined the damage was caused by “alleged criminal activity.”

Police say Tong allegedly had multiple substances — including sodium hydroxide pellets, hydrochloric acid, methanol, isopropyl alcohol, acetone, and butane. Tong was arrested and taken to the Ingham County Jail. It is unclear if Tong is a student or a staff member. The university says the building is undergoing further evaluation “to ensure a smooth return to normal operations.” Officials say there is no threat to the campus.

Source: Man accused of running meth lab at Michigan State University’s Wells Hall – CBS Detroit

But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name.
John 1:12

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5 bald eagles mysteriously found dead in Michigan ‘not due to natural causes’

head of bald eagle

Five bald eagles were found dead in Michigan in a two-week span — sparking concern as environmental officials ruled they did not die from natural causes. All of the federally protected birds were discovered in the same area of the Upper Peninsula’s Garden Peninsula between April 3 and April 17, according to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. Officials later determined that the bald eagles “did not die from natural causes, predators, or vehicle collisions.”

Source: 5 bald eagles mysteriously found dead in Michigan ‘not due to natural causes’

For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.
Hebrews 4:15

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Late-season cold snap headed for Southeast Michigan to close out the week

hoarfrost and spiderweb on leaves

Just as local gardeners were getting into the swing of spring, Mother Nature is ready to deliver a cold reminder that the growing season isn’t quite ready yet. After a relatively mild start to the week, a late-season cold snap is headed for Southeast Michigan, bringing the threat of frost and overnight sub-freezing temperatures that could put sensitive early-season plants at risk. The most chill is expected to arrive in two waves later this week and into the early weekend. Thursday night and Friday morning are currently looking like the coldest period for the region. Inland areas, including Ann Arbor, Pontiac, and Howell, could see temperatures dip into the low 30s or even upper 20s.

Friday night and Saturday morning, while slightly less intense, clear skies and light winds will create the perfect conditions for widespread frost formation across the metro area. Lows will likely hover in the mid-30s, which is enough to damage “tender” vegetation. This round of cool air will happen as a cold front sliding through the Great Lakes mid-week will usher in a much drier and colder air mass from the north. While daytime highs will be in the 50s on Friday, the real concern is at night. Without cloud cover to act as a blanket, the heat from the day will escape rapidly. For those who have already started their outdoor containers or planted early vegetables, now is the time to have a plan.

Source: Late-season cold snap headed for Southeast Michigan to close out the week – CBS Detroit

For the commandments, “You shall not commit adultery,” “You shall not murder,” “You shall not steal,” “You shall not bear false witness,” “You shall not covet,” and if there is any other commandment, are all summed up in this saying, namely, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”
Romans 13:9

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Lyme disease cases in Michigan rise 168% over 5 years, health officials report

a tick on a person s skin

Lyme disease cases have increased by 168% in the past five years, according to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. Annette Jackson of Hazel Park said she spent years searching for answers about her health. Jackson described repeated hospital visits where doctors could not identify the cause of her symptoms. “I went to the hospital, and the hospital was like, ‘Well, this is not a cold and this is not the flu. We don’t know what you have, but you have something. Your white blood cells are off the charts.’

And they said, ‘There’s nothing we could do for you,’ and they sent me home,” Jackson said. Jackson said she first noticed a bite after playing at the park with her family, but doctors were unable to diagnose her condition at the time. “Life was just debilitating after that, trying to find someone to help me,” she said. After years of symptoms, Jackson said her doctor eventually diagnosed her with Lyme disease. “Honestly, Lyme disease mimics a lot of diseases, a lot of symptoms. So it’s very hard for doctors to pinpoint,” Jackson said. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services reports that tick populations are increasing. CBS News Detroit learned that warmer spring months allow ticks more time to mature and bite. State data shows that in 2020, there were 471 new cases of Lyme disease. By 2025, that number had risen to 2,167.

Source: Lyme disease cases in Michigan rise 168% over 5 years, health officials report – CBS Detroit

With all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love.
Ephesians 4:2

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2-year-old boy missing in Temperance found in vacant apartment, sheriff says

Breaking news screen showing missing 2-year-old found with photo of toddler

A 2-year-old boy who went missing Tuesday in Temperance, Michigan, was found by himself inside a vacant apartment, the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office reported.  The child was reported missing about 8:30 a.m. Tuesday from the Redwood Apartment Complex in the 7400 block of Redwood Boulevard in Bedford Township. This location is along West Sterns Road, west of Lewis Avenue, near the Ohio-Michigan state line.  Law enforcement and first responders began a door-to-door search of the area, the sheriff’s office said.

The search party included the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, Bedford Township Fire Department, Michigan State Police and Michigan Department of Natural Resources conservation officers.  Shortly before 11 a.m., deputies found the missing child inside a nearby vacant apartment, the sheriff’s office said.  “The child was healthy, in good spirits and turned over to his parents,” the department said. “Sheriff Goodnough would like to thank all the assisting agencies and the citizens for their quick response and assistance in helping with the recovery of the missing child.” 

Source: 2-year-old boy missing in Temperance found in vacant apartment, sheriff says – CBS Detroit

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.
Joshua 1:9

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Ninth tornado confirmed in Michigan from midweek severe weather outbreak

rain clouds over rural field

The National Weather Service has confirmed a ninth tornado out of the severe weather outbreak that hit Michigan late Tuesday night into early Wednesday.  The newest tornado added to the list happened early Wednesday in Branch County, near Coldwater, according to CBS News Detroit chief meteorologist Ahmad Bajjey. The National Weather Service bureau in Northern Indiana, whose coverage area includes part of Southwest Michigan, made that report Thursday.  The intensity of the Branch County tornado is still under review. 

The list from the NWS bureaus whose territories include Michigan counties is now as follows: 

  • EF-0 in Southeast Allegan County.  
  • EF-1 in Southeast Allegan County.  
  • EF-1 in Montcalm County that ended in Gratiot County.  
  • EF-1 in Saginaw County. 
  • EF-0 in Saginaw County. 
  • EF-0 in Shiawassee County. 
  • TBD in Branch County. 
  • EF-1 in Washtenaw County. 
  • EF-1 in Wayne County. 

The one in Branch County occurred about an hour before the storms reached Metro Detroit, Bajjey said.  This now brings the total number of tornadoes during 2026 in Michigan to 14. There were three tornadoes in Southwest Michigan on March 6 and another in Wayne County on April 4.   

Source: Ninth tornado confirmed in Michigan from midweek severe weather outbreak – CBS Detroit

For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”
Galatians 5:14

Gun-toting thug caught on video kidnapping teen girl from Michigan school bus stop

close up of a yellow school bus with stop sign

Disturbing surveillance video captured the horrifying moment a gun-toting thug snatched a 16-year-old girl from a Michigan street corner and forced her in his car in a brazen kidnapping. Footage obtained by TMZ shows the masked monster walk up to the teen in the Detroit suburb of Hamtramck around 7 a.m. Monday and drag her across the street and into his car while the girl tries to get away to no avail – while her friend runs for her life. The frightened friend ran to a bystander for help, with the stranger calling 911, the outlet said.

Source: Gun-toting thug caught on video kidnapping teen girl from Michigan school bus stop

I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance.
Luke 15:7

Michigan Gov. Whitmer declares state of emergency for 32 counties following storms

dramatic thunderstorm with lightning strike

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Wednesday declared a state of emergency for 32 counties after overnight Tuesday storms caused significant damage and resulted in tornadoes. The counties under the state of emergency are Alcona, Allegan, Alpena, Antrim, Arenac, Barry, Benzie, Charlevoix, Clare, Crawford, Emmet, Grand Traverse, Gratiot, Iosco, Kalkaska, Lake, Leelanau, Manistee, Menominee, Missaukee, Montcalm, Montmorency, Newaygo, Oceana, Ogemaw, Oscoda, Osceola, Presque Isle, Roscommon, Saginaw, Shiawassee and Wexford. 

“Significant snowmelt, record rain, flooding, straight-line winds, and tornadoes have damaged homes, roads, and businesses. This emergency declaration will help the state deploy additional resources to help local officials and first responders protect Michiganders and their property,” Whitmer said in a statement. “The state will continue to coordinate with local governments and monitor the situation. I encourage everyone to stay updated and follow guidance from your local emergency manager. We will get through this together.”    This is the second state of emergency that Whitmer has declared in the last week. On April 10, the governor declared a state of emergency in Cheboygan County due to rising water levels at the Cheboygan Lock and Dam Complex. Additionally, Whitmer expanded the State Emergency Operations Center for statewide weather-related matters. On Wednesday, the National Weather Service confirmed that at least five tornadoes touched down in Michigan. The EF-0 and EF-1 tornadoes were located in Allegan, Montcalm and Saginaw counties, which are under the latest state of emergency.

Source: Michigan Gov. Whitmer declares state of emergency for 32 counties following storms – CBS Detroit

Render therefore to all their due: taxes to whom taxes are due, customs to whom customs, fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor.
Romans 13:7