LANSING, MICH. -- Burn permits have been suspended in Michigan as another public health and safety precaution during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources announced Thursday that permits for open burning will be suspended across the state to reduce the potential for wildfires, thereby limiting the risk of exposing first responders to coronavirus and ensuring personnel and equipment are available to assist with the current health crisis.

Burning yard debris such as tree limbs, stumps, leaves and grass is the top cause of wildfires in Michigan.

“We need to make sure our emergency response resources are available where they are needed at this time,” said Dan Laux, fire supervisor for the DNR Forest Resources Division, in a statement. “Less open burning means less potential for escaped fires, and that means staff can deal with other, more critical needs.”

Burning still may be allowed in snow-covered areas of the state, reflected on a map on the DNR’s website.

The burn permit suspension does not apply to campfires, said DNR fire prevention specialist Paul Rogers.

“You can still have campfires as long as they’re done safely,” he said. “Essentially we’re asking for a moratorium on burning sticks and leaves. If we can limit the amount of debris burning, that should really help curtail our chances of a wildfire getting started.”

Residents are encouraged to frequently check the DNR’s burn permit page to see when debris-burning restrictions are lifted.

Updated information about the DNR’s coronavirus response, including cancellations and closures, can be found on the DNR’s website.

RELATED: DNR closes campgrounds and overnight lodging, but state parks and trails remain open

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