LANSING -- With the state's first major wildfire of 2008 nearly contained in Crawford County, the Department of Natural Resources reminded Michigan citizens that spring is wildfire season.

"The return of warm, windy weather has led to wildfires across southern and central Michigan already this year," said Paul Kollmeyer, DNR fire prevention specialist. "It only takes a short time after the snow recedes to dry out the dead grass and leaves to the point at which they will easily ignite and burn."

Even though temperatures this weekend and early next week are supposed to drop and rain is in the forecast, it does not take many days of dry weather to elevate fire danger in the spring.

Plenty of dead vegetation exposed by the snow melt is the primary fuel for spring wildfires.

DNR fire management officials are urging everyone to use caution with all outdoor fires this spring.

As spring clean-up chores begin and dead branches, leaves and other debris need to be disposed, the DNR urges people to consider alternatives to debris burning, such as chipping, mulching or composting.

Burning debris in Michigan includes considerable responsibility that begins with obtaining a mandatory burn permit. Permits are available from local fire departments and township offices in southern Michigan.

In the Upper Peninsula and northern Lower Michigan, burn permits can be obtained from the DNR online at michigan.gov/burnpermit or by calling toll-free 866-922-2876. Burn permits are free of charge.

Persons who do burn should take proper precautions in order to prevent the escape of fire.