Many Michiganders are eager to get going on spring yard cleanups. If you're planning to burn yard debris, remember to check for a burn permit first!
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources' burn permit webpage has been updated and works a little differently this season. Here's how to use it:
- Go to Michigan.gov/BurnPermit.
- If you are using a desktop computer or a tablet, use the new dropdown menu on the right side of the screen to select your county. If you are using a mobile device, click on the box labeled "Can I burn today?" Then scroll down to the dropdown menu below the map and choose your county. Rotate your phone to get a wider view so you can see all three columns of information: "Township name," "Burning permits issued" and "Guidelines and restrictions."
- Beneath the county name, you will see a list of townships and what restrictions or contact guidance are offered in each township that day.
- You can no longer click on your county on the map; you must use the dropdown menu. Clickable maps, often lacking keyboard navigation, screen reader compatibility and text alternatives, can have limited accessibility for users with visual, motor or cognitive challenges.
- You can also check by phone whether burning is allowed; call 866-922-BURN (866-922-2876).
Burn permits from the DNR are available only for counties in the Upper Peninsula and northern Lower Peninsula. In the Lower Peninsula, that includes Muskegon, Newaygo, Mecosta, Isabella, Midland and Bay counties and all counties north of them.
In the southern Lower Peninsula, contact your local fire department or local governing body.
Remember that nine out of 10 wildfires in Michigan are caused by people, stemming from activities such as burning yard waste, tending a campfire or using off-road vehicles or other equipment that gets hot during use and can ignite dry grass or leaves on the ground. Whenever you burn:
- Keep your burn pile small (no larger than 3 feet in diameter).
- Have a hose or other water source nearby.
- Never leave a burn pile unattended, even for a moment.
- Before you leave your fire, drench it with water, stir the ash and drench again. Make sure ashes are cool to the touch.
Take extra precautions in the northern Lower Peninsula, where fallen wood from the 2025 ice storm is now dried out and likely to create more intense fires if ignited.
Get additional safety tips and learn more about fire at Michigan.gov/FireManagement.