Above-average fire threat for Northern Michigan

Michigan authorities are warning of an increased wildfire risk in the northern part of the state because of below-normal snowfall. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources office in Cadillac said there was less-than-average snowfall last winter in the Upper Peninsula and the northern third of the Lower Peninsula. Fire prevention specialist Paul Kollmeyer said the ground is becoming snow-free earlier this year and woodlands will have less moisture. He said spring is a peak period for wildfires in Michigan because of the exposure of dead vegetation.