Prescribed burn planned in Kalkaska County today to promote native grasses

Michigan Department of Natural Resources sent this bulletin at 09/12/2025 11:25 AM EDT

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Prescribed Burn Notice
A prescribed fire with grass in the foreground and smoke and fire in the background

Sept. 12, 2025

Prescribed burn scheduled today in Kalkaska County

A prescribed burn in Kalkaska County today is intended to promote native grasses and to set back encroaching woody plants. 

The burn will cover about 75 acres in Garfield Township. Start time is expected to be between 11:30 a.m. and noon. 

Prescribed burns are one way the Michigan Department of Natural Resources keeps lands and forests healthy.

Due to warm, dry weather, the DNR is asking people to be careful with any outdoor burning. These prescribed burns are conducted by highly trained DNR personnel in designated state-managed areas during appropriate weather conditions and in cooperation with the proper authorities and local units of government. 

Public safety is a top priority during all prescribed burns, which sometimes are canceled at the last minute due to careful monitoring of weather and wind conditions.

The "Prescribed Burns" interactive map – including stories, photos and videos – takes a detailed look at how prescribed burns work. For more information on the DNR’s fire management activity, visit Michigan.gov/FireManagement.