Keep In Mind Fire Safety During Wildfire Prevention Week

According to Michigan Department of Natural Resources, April through June is when most wildfires in Michigan occur.  The DNR is using this next week , Wildfire Prevention week to remind the public of the dangers of wildfires.

If you burn debris or brush you must have a burn permit in Michigan if the ground is not snow covered.  If you are a resident of  Northern Lower Michigan or the Upper Peninsula you can obtain a free burn permit by either visiting www.michigan.gov/burnpermit  or by calling  866-922-2876.

Southern Michigan residents should contact their local fire department or township office to see if burning is permitted in your area.

In addition to obtaining a burn permit, the DNR recommends people take the following steps to help prevent wildfires:

• Pay attention to the fire danger in your area. Don’t burn debris when conditions are dry or windy. Unsafe burning of leaves, brush and other debris is a main cause of wildfires.
• Clear away flammable material surrounding the fire so it won’t creep into dry vegetation.
• Keep campfires small, and do not leave before they are fully extinguished.
• Have a shovel and water available at all times when you are burning. Be sure and douse fires with plenty of water, stir, and add more water until everything is wet.
• Do not cover a campfire with soil; it may simply smolder before coming back to life.
• Embers can re-ignite. Make sure they are out completely.
• Consider composting or mulching yard debris rather than burning it

For more safety tips visit,  www.michigan.gov/preventwildfires