Fire bans spreading like, er, wildfire

NEWS RELEASE

MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENT

************************* Open debris burning prohibited in Upper Peninsula and Northern Lower Michigan

As warm, dry weather persists this week in Michigan, the Department of Natural Resources and Environment would like to remind property owners that open debris burning is prohibited at this time and no burn permits are being issued due to high danger fire conditions throughout the Upper Peninsula and Northern Lower Michigan.

With a lack of snow on the ground in the Upper Peninsula, exposed dry, dead grasses and vegetation is easily ignited.

More than half of wildfire occurrences this year, numbering over 50 so far in March, have been caused by property owners burning debris.

“This is an unusual spring for us because we lack snow in parts of the state that usually are blanketed with snow into April,” said Paul Kollmeyer, DNRE fire prevention specialist. “Normally, wildfire season starts in the southern part of Michigan and works its way north. This year, we have had wildland fires occur in all regions of the state.”

“In order to reduce fire danger right now, we need all property owners to forgo debris burning at this time until fire conditions improve,” said Kollmeyer. “If you do debris burning now and the fire escapes your control, you will be held liable for the cost of putting out the fire.”

Kollmeyer suggested that property owners try safer alternatives, such as composting yard waste or chipping brush into mulch, rather than burning it.

Citizens can check burning conditions in their area by going here.

The interactive map on the site will list burning conditions by county down to the township level.

Kollmeyer reminded citizens that persons burning yard waste in the northern Lower Peninsula and the Upper Peninsula are required to obtain a DNRE burn permit first.

The permits are free and available here. This year, the burn permit Web site has been streamlined and improved.

It shows a map of Michigan, and by clicking on the county in which a person needs a burn permit, homeowners will be informed of local burning ordinances and restrictions.

On the DNRE burn permit Web site, residents are not required to give personal information about their location or what they are burning.

Theysimply need to check the site for what burning conditions are in their area.

Persons without Internet access can call 866-922-2876 toll-free.

In southern Michigan, burn permits and information on burning can be obtained from local fire departments and township offices.

Kollmeyer also urged that homeowners take fire prevention measures, including staying with your fire at all times while burning.

Evenings are a safer time to burn, when temperatures are cool and the wind has died down.

You also should have garden tools and a charged hose ready for when it is time to put your fire out or to handle unexpected flare-ups.

Thoroughly extinguish your fire with water, and do not simply cover it with dirt.

If a fire escapes your control, call 911 immediately.

For more information on wildland fire prevention, check the DNRE’s website.

The Department of Natural Resources and Environment is committed to the conservation, protection, management, and accessible use and enjoyment of the state’s environment, natural resources, and related economic interests for current and future generations.

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