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.
