USE LEGAL BURN BARRELS

TO PREVENT WILDFIRES

EAST LANSING, Mich.– Each year Michigan residents use thousands of illegal burn barrels without even knowing it. A legal burn barrel in Michigan must have a lid, and have holes no larger than three-quarters of an inch in diameter.

When burning takes place, floating embers called firebrands rise up out of the fire and can land on nearby vegetation or other flammable objects.

Having a lid on the burn barrel helps reduce the chance of firebrands floating out of the barrel and starting a wildfire. The small holes provide oxygen to the fire so it will burn.

Mark Hansen, Michigan State University (MSU) Extension wildfire specialist, says that 8,000 to 10,000 wildfires occur in Michigan each year and are usually caused by burning. One-third to one-half of the fires begin with someone burning debris.

Hansen points out that residents who burn debris are responsible for maintaining the fire. If the fire grows out of control the resident can be fined and possibly billed for all costs incurred.

“Most people guess that lightning and smoking are the major causes of wildfires in Michigan,” says Hansen. “In fact on the average, less than five percent of wildfires begin that way. If people would be more careful burning, whether in a burn barrel, or in burning leaves and brush, we could prevent thousands of wildfires each year.”

For more information on protecting your home from wildfires, pick up a copy of “Protect Your Michigan Home from Wildfire” (E-2831) at your county MSU Extension office, or visit <www.msue.msu.edu/emergency>.