Michigan's spring wildfire season has returned as fires popped up over the weekend due to the warmer weather, which caused Michigan citizens to get outdoors to begin spring cleanup of their property.

"As the snow melts and exposes dead grass and leaves from the fall, the warmer temperatures increase the chance of wildfires occurring in the state," said Department of Natural Resources Fire Prevention Specialist Paul Kollmeyer.

"Dead grass dries out quickly and becomes flammable," Kollmeyer said. "People sometimes mistakenly think wildfires are not a problem in early spring because of the cool nights or because the ground was recently snow covered. The main hazard begins when homeowners start spring cleanup chores by burning yard waste."

Kollmeyer reminded residents that burning legally in the state of Michigan requires more than just a rake and match. The DNR requires that persons burning yard waste in the northern Lower Peninsula and the Upper Peninsula obtain a DNR burn permit first.

The permits are free and available online at www.michigan.gov/burnpermit. This year, the burn permit Web site has been streamlined and improved. It shows a map of Michigan and, by clicking on the county in which a person needs a burn permit, homeowners will be informed of local burning ordinances and restrictions.

On the new burn permit Web site, residents will no longer be required to give personal information about their location or what they are burning. They simply need to check the site for what burning conditions are in their location. Persons without Internet access can call 866-922-2876 toll-free.

In southern Michigan, burn permits and information on burning can be obtained from local fire departments and township offices.

Kollmeyer also urged that homeowners take fire precaution measures, including staying with your fire at all times while burning. Evenings are a safer time to burn, when temperatures are cool and the wind has died down. You also should have garden tools and a charged hose ready for when it is time to put your fire out or handle unexpected flare-ups. Thoroughly extinguish your fire with water, and not simply cover it with dirt.

For more information on wildland fire prevention, check the DNR's Web site at www.michigan.gov/dnr-fire.