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Fire management

Two firefighters walk along a smoky burn line in a field

Fire management

Preventing and putting out wildfires in Michigan

The Department of Natural Resources maintains a nationally recognized wildfire program that is charged with protecting state and private lands. DNR firefighters share fire safety tips, create fuel breaks, conduct prescribed burns to improve wildlife habitat and respond to hundreds of wildfires each year.
  • Fire precaution

    Burn permit (Permission to burn)

    Find out if you are permitted to have an open burn in your area today.

  • A group of people gather around a campfire under the stars

    Fire safety tips

    Learn how to safely enjoy campfires and prevent wildfire.

  • A group of firefighters plan their actions during a prescribed burn

    Prescribed fire explained

    Learn why wildfire and wildlife experts sometimes plan fires, called prescribed burns. 

  • Morel Mushrooms

    Morel mushroom hunting

    View a map of wildfire and prescribed burn locations - great locations for morel hunting!

Firefighting reports and data

Red fire truck acquired by Ashley Fire Dept. as part of FEPP program

Federal Excess program information

Connecting local departments with equipment and resources

The DNR can help local fire departments obtain excess federal equipment for firefighting and emergency services. The equipment is free; departments just have to cover the cost of putting it into service. Certified volunteer, municipal and city fire departments can request equipment.

Learn more and request fire equipment
A welder works with equipment at the forest fire experiment station

Forging the future of firefighting

Tools for the future of wildland firefighting are being shaped at the Roscommon Equipment Center and Forest Fire Experiment Station. The REC provides fire agencies across the nation with specialized wildland firefighting equipment from its cutting-edge design and fabrication shop.
Learn about the Roscommon Equipment Center
Wildfire burning with orange hue and smoke apparent

Community Wildfire Defense Grant

Having a plan in place in the event of a wildfire is essential for any community. The Community Wildfire Defense Grant (CWDG) program offers vital support to help communities prepare for and reduce wildfire risks.

The CWDG provides funding to develop and update Community Wildfire Protection Plans (CWPPs).

  • Email updates

    Subscribe to Wildfire updates:

    Get the most recent updates on active wildfires in Michigan