“We expect our numbers to go up because there are more people outdoors doing these recreational activities,” said Joe Grutza, director of the Office of Fire Fighter Training for the state’s Bureau of Fire Services. “We want to get the word out in advance that it is better to be safe than sorry.”

Grutza said he also is worried about the effect gas prices could have on fire safety in Michigan.

“With gas prices being what they are, we expect more and more people to stay home,” Grutza said. “We fear that it might increase injuries due to campfires and fireworks.”

Bob Pratt, East Lansing fire marshal, said mixing alcohol with activities involving fire creates more potential for danger.

“Alcohol impairs your ability to make sound decisions and our ability to react to emergency situations appropriately,” Pratt said. “So mixing alcohol with fireworks is just a doubly bad idea, and mixing it with backyard fireplaces and grilling is also a bad idea.”

Pratt said he wasn’t sure if the summer would be worse for fire-related incidents in East Lansing than any other time of year.

“The fire experience in the city of East Lansing changes seasonally,” Pratt said. “In the winter time, we see fires caused by furnace and space heaters. In the summer, we see grilling and firework accidents that we don’t see in the winter time; so we are seeing an increase in some kinds of fires and a decrease in others.”

Bonfires are illegal in the city of East Lansing. Outdoor fireplaces are allowed in residential zoning districts one and two, which includes most single-family homes, but excludes most fraternity and sorority houses and apartment buildings, Pratt said.

These fireplaces are limited to 3 feet in diameter and height, and must be fully enclosed. They also must be more than 20 feet from a property line, combustible building or fence.

A water source to distinguish the fire and a person to attend to it must be present at all times. Renters need to get permission to have them, he said.

Travis Bickle, an MSU accounting graduate student, said he enjoys many of the fire-related summer activities.

“What’s not to like about it; you’ve got grilling, campfire and beer,” said Bickle, “It is just a social piece, you have a fire in the backyard and have everyone talking and drinking. It is something fun to do.”