August 24, 2007

LANSING - After reviewing drought information and other weather data, including the long-term and short-term precipitation forecasts, from the Department of Natural Resources, Lt. Governor John D. Cherry has rescinded the burning ban implemented last Friday afternoon for 23 counties in the southern Lower Peninsula.

"The southern part of the state received sufficient rainfall on Sunday and Monday from the remnants of Tropical Storm Erin," Cherry said.  "However, I urge citizens to continue to exercise extreme caution with outdoor flame, and remind them that the ban is still in effect in 52 other counties in our state."

The burn ban has been rescinded in the following counties: Allegan, Barry, Calhoun, Clinton, Eaton, Genesee, Gratiot, Ingham, Ionia, Jackson, Kalamazoo, Kent, Livingston, Macomb, Montcalm, Muskegon, Oakland, Ottawa, St. Clair, Saginaw, Shiawassee, Van Buren and Washtenaw.

The ban is still in effect until further notice for the following counties: Alcona, Alger, Alpena, Antrim, Arenac, Baraga, Bay, Benzie, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Chippewa, Clare, Crawford, Delta, Dickinson, Emmet, Gladwin, Gogebic, Grand Traverse, Houghton, Huron, Iosco, Iron, Isabella, Kalkaska, Keweenaw, Lake, Lapeer, Leelanau, Luce, Mackinac, Manistee, Marquette, Mason, Mecosta, Menominee, Midland, Missaukee, Montmorency, Newaygo, Oceana, Ogemaw, Ontonagon, Osceola, Oscoda, Otsego, Presque Isle, Roscommon,  Sanilac, Schoolcraft, Tuscola and Wexford.

"We recognize that other parts of the state have received some rainfall as well.  However, those areas have not received enough to alleviate current drought conditions, and the long range weather forecast does not indicate that adequate rainfall is coming," said DNR Director Rebecca Humphries.  "We will continue to monitor conditions and request adjustments to the original proclamation ordering the burning ban where practical."

The ban prohibits the following acts on forest lands or lands adjacent to forest lands:

- Burning of any flammable material, including refuse, brush, stumps, rubbish,
 grass, stubble, leaves, or crop residue;

- Burning materials in a burn barrel;

- Pipe, cigar and/or cigarette smoking outdoors adjacent to forest lands, with the exception of places of habitation, authorized and improved campgrounds, or in any automobile or truck; and,

- All campfires except those within containers that are metal or made of masonry at public or private campgrounds that have permanent staff on site or at places of habitation.

Campfires will not be allowed at any state forest campgrounds or other similar unsupervised, rustic campgrounds. 

A violation of the burning ban is a misdemeanor.  In addition, anyone responsible for starting a wildfire is liable for the cost of suppressing the fire.  The ban does not include charcoal grills or propane or liquid-fueled camping stoves.

"I urge citizens and visitors to be aware that the northern Lower Peninsula and the Upper Peninsula have only received a small amount of rain, and severe drought conditions persist in that part of the state," said Humphries.  "Anyone traveling to northern Michigan for outdoor activities this weekend and for the Labor Day weekend should note that the burn ban is in effect and will be strictly enforced."

For more information about wildfires, including the Sleeper Lakes wildfire in Luce County, please visit the DNR Web site at www.michigan.gov/dnr.  Wildfire prevention information is also available on the DNR Web site.

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