7 Michigan counties to see controlled burns Thursday

DETROIT – Fire crews across northern Michigan are conducting a series of planned burns Thursday, April 25.

The controlled fires are part of an effort to improve wildlife habitats, combat invasive species, and preserve the health of the lands and forests. Officials with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources said the prescribed burns are carried out by highly-trained personnel and are done with the cooperation of local authorities.

The DNR carries out roughly 100 prescribed burns in Michigan annually.

There are seven burns planned for Thursday -- four in the Lower Peninsula and three in the Upper Peninsula.

Lower Peninsula burns:

• Crawford County: 32 acres in Lovells Township. Expected to start at 4:30 p.m.
• Kalkaska County: 472 acres in Bear Lake Township. Expected to start at 11:30 a.m.
• Mecosta County: 280 acres in Grant Township. Expected to start at 11:30 a.m.
• Oscoda County: 47 acres in Greenwood Township. Expected to start at 1:30 p.m.

Upper Peninsula burns (expected to start at 11 a.m.):

• Chippewa County: 94 acres in Pickford Township to improve wildlife habitat.
• Marquette County: 1 acre in Chocolay Township to maintain a grass opening and reduce encroachment on a dam.
• Schoolcraft County: 30 acres in Hiawatha Township to improve wildlife habitat.

Fires may be canceled or postponed due to weather or wind conditions.

More information on the state’s fire management activity can be found on the Michigan DNR website.