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(WWJ) Where there's smoke, there's fire — but it may be nothing to worry about.
As spring nears, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources wants Michigan residents to know that it's planning a number controlled burns fires around the state.
People in rural areas across the state may occasionally see some smoke, courtesy of what the DNR calls "prescribed fires" or burns, which are intentionally set by the DNR. They can be conducted any time of year, but most burns are conducted in the spring and fall.
The DNR works closely with local officials in areas where burns are planned, and trained fire staff uses specialized equipment to light and control the fire. A site may require multiple burns before it reaches desired conditions.
"These carefully staged fires help control invasive species and create critical habitat for wildlife," the DNR said. "And, strange as it may sound, these fires also help our forests grow!"
Throughout the burn, they monitor safety and site conditions, the DNR says. Weather is carefully monitored, too, and burns will be canceled if conditions are unfavorable.
Note that a site may require multiple burns before it reaches desired conditions.
To learn more, check out the DNR's Prescribed Fire Explained webpage for some history, a map of past burn locations and prescribed burn story map.
