The National Weather Service has issued a fire weather watch and a red flag fire warning for Calhoun County.

The fire weather watch expires at 8 p.m. today. The red flag warning will be effect from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday.

"The conditions are ripe for fires to spread," said Brandon Hoving, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service station in Grand Rapids. "Tomorrow is the higher danger.

"The ground is relatively dry right now and things have not fully greened up yet," he added. "This time of the year is when we have a risk for wildfire before things green up."

Emmett Township stopped issuing burn permits Monday because of the fire watch. Those decisions are on a day-by-day basis.

The combination of strong winds, low relative humidity and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire behavior, according to the Calhoun County Sheriff's Office.

The Sheriff's Office is asking residents to be extra careful with any activities that could potentially lead to a wildfire.

Camping, outdoor grills, smoking materials, chain saws, all-terrain vehicles — all have the potential to throw a spark and ignite a fire.


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