Have a Fire-Safe Summer

1. Open-Debris Burning - Check Online Before You Burn

Many people practice open-debris burning especially during yard clean-up or as part of their land management. If you’re planning to burn your piles of sticks, hedge trimmings, thinned shrubs, or other large debris, make sure you check the DNR’s online Burn Permit tool first.

Once you select your county, you’ll be able to see whether you are authorized to burn open-debris in your township based on the current weather and wind conditions. If the “Burning Permits Issues” column says “Yes”, you’re good to go and can proceed burning your debris. If the column says “No”, you need to wait for another day when conditions are safer. According to the State of Michigan, 27% of wildfires are caused by the careless burning of open debris. Don’t be the cause of suffering for the wildlife you love! Take 5 minutes to check online before lighting that bonfire.

2. Don’t Move Firewood!!

It’s easy to overlook the creatures we don’t see very often. But lots of little critters feed on and live in dead wood and not just rotting wood, even dry firewood! The culprits of deadly Oak Wilt, the Emerald Ash Borer, and the invasive Asian Longhorned Beetle are just some of the critters known to hitch a ride on firewood.

It won’t do you any good to look your wood over and check for bugs either. There could be tiny little beetle eggs, or critters that have chewed their way into the wood’s interior.

There are 3 ways to prevent the spread of invasive species when it comes to firewood:

1. Collect local firewood if collecting is allowed at your campsite.

If you’re camping on National Forest land, you can collect personal campfire wood for free without a permit. If you’re on Michigan state land, you’ll need to purchase a State Fuelwood Permit which allows you to harvest downed wood in designated state forests for extended camping or even home heating. If you’re at a private campground, check the rules. Keep in mind that campsites have heavy human traffic, and wildlife also needs dead wood to survive. If harvesting sticks and branches won’t leave any dead wood in the area, you’d be better off leaving that wood for the bugs, and buying some local firewood from a neighbor.

2. Buy local – Purchase firewood less than 10 miles from your campsite.

Neighbors who live near popular camping spots often sell firewood to campers. Buying local not only ensures that you aren’t spreading invasive species but it also keeps your money in the hands of local, hardworking folks.

3. Buy certified, heat treated firewood.

If you really want to pack up your firewood before departure, buy certified, heat treated firewood. This wood has undergone a commerical process that kills any possible insects or eggs that may have been living on or inside the wood.

3. Check for Fire Restrictions when Camping

Everyone loves a campfire when camping, and it’s a bummer when there’s a burn ban in effect. However, practicing fire safety is a way to preserve our national forests and public land for years and generations to come. Whenever you go camping, keep an eye out for signs like the one below that informs visitors about the fire danger, or check conditions before you leave with this tool.

If you’ve planned a camping trip when there’s a burn ban in effect, switch to meals that can be assembled easily without cooking. Some of my favorite go-to camping meals are hummus sandwitches, quinoa salads, or what I can “peasant food” which is just a-la-carte sourdough (unsliced so you can rip off a chunk), cheese, apples, and some kind of jerky, sausage, pastrami, or cured fish. It’s easy to add dips or other produce to the mix. Shed a brief tear for the lack of s’ mores and enjoy a post-swim cheesecake. Trust me, it still hits.

Connected Resources:

June 17, 2026 No Comments

“But surely a few logs of my firewood from home won’t hurt anything if I take them camping with me!!! I don’t want to buy firewood when I already have a bunch!”

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