How Michigan's Burn Permit System Works
Michigan's spring fire season is concentrated in the six-week window after snow disappears and before vegetation greens up. During this window, the landscape is covered in dry dead grass and leaves, and fire spreads rapidly. The Michigan DNR forestry division operates a phone permit system that has been running for decades — a simple call to 1-800-292-3939 gets you a permit number in minutes. Michigan also has designated year-round high-risk areas, primarily in the northern Lower Peninsula and Upper Peninsula, where permits may be required outside the standard window.
Getting a Michigan Burn Permit
- Agency: Michigan DNR Forestry Division
- Phone: 1-800-292-3939
- Portal: https://www.michigan.gov/dnr
- Cost: Free
- Valid: Same day
Seasonal Notes & Burn Bans
April–May is the mandatory permit period statewide. Northern Michigan and the UP can experience dangerous fire conditions into June. Summer is generally low-risk due to humidity.
What You Can Burn in Michigan
Natural vegetation, yard debris, brush. No prohibited materials. Michigan prohibits burning within 100 feet of a building or fence during the mandatory permit period unless the burn is in an approved container.
- Leaves and yard trimmings
- Natural brush and branches
- Downed trees (untreated wood)
- Agricultural crop residue
Never legal to burn anywhere in Michigan: Household garbage, treated/painted wood, tires, plastics, construction debris, or hazardous materials.
Frequently Asked Questions — Michigan
Call 1-800-292-3939 — the Michigan DNR burn permit hotline. An automated system will ask for your county and general location, check fire danger conditions, and issue a permit number. The whole process takes under 3 minutes.
April 1 through May 31 statewide. If you live in a high-risk area (northern Lower Peninsula, Upper Peninsula), you may need a permit year-round during dry conditions. Check with your local DNR forestry office.
With a permit during April–May, yes — natural vegetation including leaves is allowed. Outside permit season, local ordinances apply. Many Michigan municipalities have their own leaf burning ordinances. Check with your local fire department.