Outdoor News Daily

While snow melting is a welcome change from winter, another seasonal change that warm spring temperatures bring is the threat of wildfires. The Department of Natural Resources and Environment reminds Michigan citizens that dead grass and leaves become exposed after warm temperatures melt the snow, and can easily ignite fields and forests.

Paul Kollmeyer, DNRE fire prevention specialist, points out several things that contribute to early spring’s increased wildfire risk.

“Dead grass quickly dries out becoming flammable and people do not realize there can be wildfire danger even when nights are cool and snow piles linger in the shade. The hazard begins when homeowners start spring cleanup chores by burning yard waste,” Kollmeyer said. “To eliminate the risk of starting a wildfire or irritating your neighbors with nuisance smoke, consider chipping or mulching your natural debris instead of burning; it’s safe and cleaner.”

Setting fire to leaf piles requires more than just a rake and a match. Careful planning is required, starting with a mandatory burn permit. Persons planning to burn brush or yard debris living in the Upper Peninsula and Northern Lower Michigan are required to check online at http://www.michigan.gov/burnpermit to see if burning is allowed in their location. A toll free number, 866-922-2876, can also be used to check burn permit status for those without computers in both regions. Either way will give the user information about local burning conditions and regulations. In Southern Michigan burn permit information and details on regulations are available from the local fire department and township offices.

Kollmeyer said that DNRE recommends persons plan to burn on days when strong winds are not forecasted. Fire control precautions need to be in place as well which include staying with your fire at all times while burning, and having garden tools and a charged hose ready when it is time to put the fire out or douse unexpected flare ups.

“Persons burning yard debris or brush are responsible for their fire,” Kollmeyer said. “Fire suppression costs and any damages resulting from the fire can be charged if the fire escapes and you are found negligent.”

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