Michigan Residents Must Check Burn Permits Before Lighting Yard Waste Fires

Burning yard waste is restricted in many Michigan cities and townships, with permits required to avoid wildfire risks.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 11:22am

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An extremely abstracted, out-of-focus photograph in warm hues of orange, yellow, and brown, depicting a pile of dried leaves and sticks, conceptually representing the yard waste cleanup process in Michigan.Residents must obtain burn permits before lighting up yard waste piles to prevent dangerous wildfires across Michigan.Midland Today

As winter exits Michigan, residents are eager to clean up yard waste, but the state's Department of Natural Resources warns that burning yard waste is restricted in many areas and requires obtaining a burn permit first. The article provides a step-by-step guide on how to check if burning is allowed in a specific township or city, as well as the reasons behind the permit requirements.

Why it matters

Uncontrolled burning of yard waste is a major cause of wildfires in Michigan, with the state's DNR reporting that 90% of wildfires are human-caused. Requiring burn permits helps prevent these dangerous fires and protect public safety, especially in the more fire-prone northern regions of the state.

The details

Michigan residents must check if burning is allowed in their specific township or city before lighting yard waste on fire. This can be done by visiting the Michigan.gov/BurnPermit website, selecting the county, and finding the local rules. Alternatively, residents can call the state's burn permit hotline at 866-922-BURN. Burn permits are mostly required in the Upper Peninsula and northern Lower Peninsula, while southern Michigan residents should contact their local fire department or township office directly.

  • The Michigan Department of Natural Resources provides burn permit information and restrictions year-round.
  • Wildfire season in Michigan typically runs from early spring through late fall.

The players

Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR)

The state agency responsible for managing Michigan's natural resources, including enforcing burn permit regulations to prevent wildfires.

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The takeaway

By following the proper procedures to obtain a burn permit, Michigan residents can safely dispose of yard waste while minimizing the risk of uncontrolled fires that can threaten homes and communities, especially in the state's more fire-prone northern regions.