LANSING, MI — The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is calling on people to be careful this weekend with campfires, debris burning, and other activities.
There is a high fire danger in the state, with DNR fire prevention specialist Paul Rogers saying forests and grasses are very dry despite the greenery.
Officials say people can have campfires, but should not leave them unattended at all. If you plan to burn debris at home, check with your local government to be sure there is not a burn ban.
At home
- Consider firewise landscaping:
- Create a “fire-free” area around your home. Trim branches, mow the lawn regularly and remove dead vegetation near the home.
- Use non-flammable landscaping materials and high-moisture content plants. Water plants, trees and mulch regularly.
- Create “fuel breaks” like driveways and walkways in your yard.
At camp
- Never leave a fire unattended
- Always keep a shovel, metal bucket and water source nearby
- Build your fire in a fire ring or on mineral soil
- When finished with your fire, douse it thoroughly with water, stir the ashes and douse again. Repeat until cool.
- Soak all used fireworks in water before discarding.
Burning debris
- Never leave a fire unattended
- Always keep a shovel, metal bucket and water source nearby
- Make sure you have permission to burn (burn permit)
- Keep your fire small and manageable – no larger than three feet high and three feet wide
- Do not burn on windy days or during periods of dry weather
- Consider composting or recycling yard waste instead of burning
- Your fire should be at least 10 feet away from logs, stumps or debris. Remember to make sure no branches are hanging overhead.
