LANSING, MI. – (WTVB) – You won’t be able to burn in Michigan due to the COVID-19 outbreak.
In response to the “Stay Home, Stay Safe” Executive Order, permits for open burning have been suspended.
Dan Laux, who is the fire supervisor for the DNR Forest Resources Division, says they need to make sure emergency response resources are available where they are needed at this time. “Less open burning means less potential for escaped fires, and that means staff can deal with other, more critical needs.”
The suspension of burn permits also will help protect first responders and fire fighters from becoming infected by the coronavirus since firefighters often work closely together while they are at the scene of a fire as well as when they are traveling to and from a call.
Laux adds the suspension of permits is being done out of an abundance of caution.
Open burning in some parts of the state may still be allowed in areas where the ground is still snow-covered.
Burn permits in the southern Lower Peninsula are issued by local fire departments and governmental offices.
