DNR Won't Issue Burning Permits Until State Receives Significant Rain: MI

Burning permits will not be issued in the northern Lower Peninsula and Upper Peninsula until those areas receive significant precipitation, Department of Natural Resources Director Rebecca Humphries announced today. Burn permits may or may not be available in southern Michigan, depending on local weather conditions and fire danger levels.

This past week proved that the fire danger was not exaggerated with 109 new reported fires consuming more than 2,162 acres. There also were five structures in the path of wildfires reported destroyed during the week. The largest fire was a 1,557-acre blaze that began in Roscommon County south of Prudenville. Crews remain on the scene of that fire mopping up stubborn smokes.

State fire officials said there is a forecast of rain mid-week and some areas received small amounts Monday, however the rain through Tuesday will not be enough to mitigate the "Very High" fire danger level that is posted for the entire state. The rain is welcome and should reduce the wildfire danger index in the short term but a persistent wet weather pattern will be required to keep the fire danger down.

Sunday began Michigan's Wildfire Prevention Week. "We're asking citizens to postpone all open burning and be extremely careful with all fires until the fire danger lessens," Humphries said. "Although the northern Lower Peninsula and Upper Peninsula remain in critical condition, the dead leaves in wooded areas throughout all of Michigan have dried during the recent sunny weather."

Up-to-date information on wildlife fire safety, how you can protect your home from wildfire, and the latest fire statistics can be obtained from the DNR Web site at www.michigan.gov/dnr.

The DNR is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state's natural resources for current and future generations.

Source: MDNR