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Prescribed fire explained

DNR fire staff conduct a prescribed burn in a forest area

Prescribed fire explained

How it works

Fire experts occasionally plan fires, called prescribed burns. These burns help control invasive species, improve wildlife habitat and help Michigan's forests and grasslands grow. They also remove natural materials that could provide fuels for bigger wildfires.

Burns are usually conducted in spring or fall. Foresters, wildlife biologists and other natural resources professionals evaluate the area and write a plan to help them achieve their goals.

Trained fire staff uses specialized equipment to light and control the fire. Throughout the burn, they monitor safety, site conditions and the weather.  A site may require multiple burns before it reaches desired conditions.

Explore prescribed burning with our interactive map
A Kirtland's warbler with a grey back and yellow belly sits in a green pine tree

Michigan Prescribed Fire Council

Network of prescribed fire practitioners

Mi Morels Map

Map of burn locations for morel foraging