In northern Michigan, many properties are still littered with trees or branches that came down during the massive ice storm in late March. While many people want to get rid of the debris, burning may not be the best way to do it.

“Our local fire departments are reporting that people in areas impacted by the storm are starting to burn debris, which is causing surrounding dry grass and leaves to catch on fire,” said Paul Rogers, fire prevention specialist for the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. “Much of the wood from living trees that came down in the storm is still full of moisture and won’t burn efficiently.”

Instead of burning storm debris, consider these alternatives:

• Take limbs and branches to a debris disposal location. There are 17 available in northern Michigan.
• Chip the debris and use it as landscaping or garden material.

If burning is your only option for disposal of fallen limbs and yard debris, consider piling it and waiting until fall so it can dry out. Burn when the ground is snow-covered.

“Fire danger is increasing as the forecast calls for dry, warm weather for the next week or two,” Rogers said. “Awareness of the weather and landscape is important before lighting any fire, but especially so during these warmer, drier days."

Keep fire safety in mind

Anyone in Michigan who needs to burn should check first to make sure that weather conditions are safe for burning. In northern Michigan, check online for a burn permit or call 866-922-BURN (866-922-2876). Burning is restricted when conditions are hot, dry or too windy.

Here are additional fire safety tips:

• Never leave any fire unattended, even for a moment.
• Keep burn piles small. A large pile can stay hot for hours.
• Whenever you burn anything outdoors, keep a hose or other water source nearby.
• Don't burn plastic, hazardous materials, foam or other household trash. This can release dangerous chemicals into the air.
• Use a burn barrel with a screen on top to burn paper, leaves and natural materials.

Get more fire safety guidance at Michigan.gov/FireManagement.