Burn Bans

Michigan has no statewide burn ban, but open burning of yard waste or debris is currently NOT allowed in some areas of the state (DNR Fire Alert page, re-read October 1, 2026; the page does not name the areas, and its most recent dated fire-danger note is from June 3, 2026). Campfires are allowed right now. The DNR issues — or withholds — burn permits DAILY for the Upper Peninsula and the northern two-thirds of the Lower Peninsula (Muskegon, Newaygo, Mecosta, Isabella, Midland and Bay counties and everything north); in southern Michigan, burning is handled by your local authorities. During hot, dry stretches the DNR also pauses its own prescribed burns and withholds permits in high-risk areas. Before you burn, check the DNR burn-permit status page for your county — a "yes" in the Burning Permits Issued column is your permit for that day.