Red Flag Fire Warning on Tuesday, burning restricted in Michigan

DETROIT (WJBK) - The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is asking all residents to restrict outdoor burning on Tuesday, May 1, as most of the state is under a high fire risk.

There's a high fire danger on Tuesday and all of the Lower Peninsula is under a Red Flag Warning, meaning any planned burns are restricted.

“We are currently seeing a significant increase in wildfire activity,” said Paul Rogers, fire prevention specialist for the DNR. “We are asking residents to restrict outdoor burning due to dry conditions.” 

The DNR says it has also canceled plans for prescribed burns Tuesday. 

Temperatures on Tuesday are expected to hit 80 degrees. That, along with winds gusting to 30 MPH and the dry grass, leaves, and pine needles scattered across the state have created the perfect conditions for dangerous fires.

The state is urging anyone who plans to burn the northern Lower Peninsula or Upper Peninsula to go to michigan.gov/burnpermit to see if a burn permit is needed in specific counties and/or townships.  People in the southern Lower Peninsula should check with their local municipalities for burning regulations.

Campfires are still allowed but you should have water and a shovel available to extinguish the fire.