Dry conditions and wind have elevated fire danger across much of Michigan, with the risk particularly high in the northern Lower Peninsula due to downed trees and branches from the March 2025 ice storm.
"Even with the heavy rains this spring, recent drier weather in the northern Lower Peninsula and Upper Michigan means that last year's grasses and leaves are becoming dry and will readily burn," said Paul Rogers, fire prevention specialist for the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.
"In the ice storm area from last spring, the downed wood has been on the ground for a year, is starting to dry out, and can contribute to much hotter and more dangerous conditions if a fire gets started," Rogers said. "While the temperatures have dropped, we are expecting to see elevated fire danger continue as we get closer to the weekend."
Nine out of 10 wildfires in Michigan are caused by human activity, including burning yard waste debris, leaving campfires unattended, using power equipment and off-road vehicles in dry conditions, or dragging trailer chains which can create sparks.
"There is fire danger associated with a lot of our favorite outdoor activities," Rogers said. "We want people to enjoy the outdoors, but we're asking everyone to be especially aware this season because the downed wood adds greater risk and volatility."
Even if the landscape looks green, vegetation on the ground still can be dry from winter. That includes clumps of grass, leaves and brush.
Check Michigan.gov/BurnPermit before you start a fire to make sure weather conditions allow for safe burning. In southern Lower Peninsula communities, consult local fire authorities. If a backyard fire gets away from you, call 911 immediately. Do not try to put it out yourself before calling authorities.
Fire prevention tips
Here are more tips to keep your outdoor activities firesafe:
- Keep a hose or other water source nearby when burning.
- Prevent sparks. Keep trailer chains from dragging when you're on the road and don't park hot equipment on dry grass.
- Contain your campfire or bonfire in a pit or ring and make sure you put it out thoroughly before leaving. Douse the fire with water, stir the ashes and douse again.
- Never leave any fire — including hot coals — unattended.
- Never shoot fireworks into the woods, dry grass or shrubs.
- Remember it is illegal to 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 other natural materials.
More fire safety information is available at Michigan.gov/FireManagement.
Since the beginning of fire season in March, DNR wildland firefighters have fought more than 56 fires covering nearly 200 acres. The DNR has a goal of keeping as many wildfires as possible under 10 acres.