Last year was particularly hot and dry, and these fire-friendly conditions could persist through the mild winter this year. Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Fire Prevention Specialist Paul Rogers said they’re preparing for an early fire season.
“We’re about three weeks ahead of schedule with the loss of snow,” Rogers said, referring to the melts under warmer temperatures in February and March. “The snow is gone from basically everywhere in the state. We’re also seeing drought conditions because of the lack of moisture in the soil.”
Indeed, DNR firefighters have already responded to several wildfires this year, as of a March 6 news bulletin posted on their website. The Michigan DNR responded to nearly 400 wildfi res in total in 2023. The DNR bulletin says to check michigan.gov/burnpermit before burning brush, leaves, or other yard debris. The website links to a color-coded map of Michigan counties. Leelanau County should always be marked orange, indicating burn permit restrictions are in effect — this is because Leelanau Township issues its own burn permits and is the only township in the county to do so.
However, visitors to the website can click on Leelanau County to see a breakdown of burn permits by township. If the “burning permits issued” column for the township is marked “yes,” then burns are permitted. For county residents outside of Leelanau Township, this is the only authorization required.
Rogers said that DNR staff in Traverse City monitor weather forecasts and recommend burning permit guidelines accordingly, providing authorization for the entire day or before and after certain hours. The map is updated by 10 a.m. EST every day.
To apply for a burn permit in Leelanau Township, which includes Northport and Omena, call the township emergency services Chief Hugh Cook at (231) 386-5343. Cook said that applicants need to provide their name and contact information, the location of the burn, and identify what they plan to burn. Cook said that the only materials that can be burned are brush and trees.
Cook said he provides authorization over the phone and informs emergency services and dispatch that the burn is permitted. He added that burns that are contained in a fire pit less than 3 feet in diameter do not require permitting.
According to the DNR, nine out of every 10 wildfires are caused by people. The news bulletin outlines tips to keep a burn contained, including keeping a water source and metal shovel nearby; always attending to a fire; not burning on a windy day; and completely putting out fires with water every time.
“If a fire escapes, call early,” Chief Keith Tampa of the Elmwood Township Fire Department added. “We’d rather deal with the problem while it’s small than when it gets out of hand. And during a burn, keep it small and manageable, so you can extinguish it if need be.”
Tampa also noted there are other means of disposing of brush and yard debris, such as composting and chipping it up for landscaping. The Leelanau County website offers a flyer on their website about composting materials at home, which can be found on leelanau.gov/recycling.
