Wildfires in the state of Michigan are generally underestimated in regard to number and losses. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources estimates that 8,000 to 10,000 wildfires occur each year in this state. While most of these are small wildfires - burning between 5 and 50 acres—many wildfires exceed 100 acres and some have consumed thousands of acres. In addition, each year 100 to 200 homes and buildings are either lost or damaged due to wildfires. Because most wildfires are caused by human activities, the number of wildfires and losses can be reduced if residents would take more precautions.
Wildfires occur throughout the spring, summer and fall, however, most wildfires in Michigan take place in March, April, and May. During this period, much of the existing vegetation has been killed due to winter temperatures and most of the vegetation is dead, brown and combustible. Also, there is little green vegetation to serve as a barrier for a moving wildfire. In the spring, residents are raking yards and collecting yard waste that has accumulated over winter. Many residents elect to burn their yard waste and this leads to the majority of wildfires. The MDNR estimates that one-third to one-half of Michigan wildfires are due to people burning debris.
Contrary to public belief, most wildfires in Michigan are not the large forest fires such as the wildfire that occurred near San Diego in 2003, leading to daily news coverage. Most wildfires are small and never make news headlines. However, Michigan has had its share of large, devastating wildfires, including major fires within the last two decades.
News
Community Wildfire Protection Plan Grants Will Be Awarded in Early 2012
Posted on September 20, 2011
Learn how your community can receive funding to help develop a wildfire protection plan.
Michigan’s First Firewise Community
Posted on September 20, 2011
Au Sable River Estates, located only a few miles from the 2010 Meridian wildfire, was named the first Michigan community to achieve Firewise Communities/USA status.