Getting ready to do some yard cleanup now that the snow has gone?

The ice storm that hit in late March left a lot of snapped branches and downed trees that likely need to be collected and cut up. Homeowners in the area already can be seen raking up a winter’s worth of debris in their yards.

The natural tendency is to torch those leaves, cuttings, brush and branches once collected. But before putting a match to that pile, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources reminds the public to check for permission to burn, or a burn permit, for activities categorized as “open burning.” Open burning includes the burning of yard debris.

A burn permit is needed any time the ground is not snow-covered. And spring before the vegetation gets started is prime time for wildfires, so extra caution is needed to avoid having a backyard fire get out of control.

A modern burn permit isn’t a piece of paper saying you can burn, and there’s no cost to “getting the permit.” It’s really about checking burning conditions with the DNR or with local authorities.

The online burn permit system indicates by location whether burning is allowed. In most of the Upper Peninsula and northern Lower Peninsula, permission to burn is provided through the DNR’s online system at Michigan.gov/BurnPermit, or by calling 866-922-2876. In southern Michigan, burn permits are issued by local authorities. In all cases, be aware that local ordinances may be stricter than state or county rules.

Permits are issued based on weather conditions, so an “okay to burn” in the morning does not guarantee that burning will be allowed later that day if wind comes up or temperatures rise. If burning is not permitted, composting and chipping brush are ways to dispose of yard debris without using fire.

Burning trash, plastic or electronics is always illegal, even when open burning is permitted. Responsibly dispose of these items by recycling or through municipal trash.

Contained campfires, burn barrels with screens and cooking fires are exempt from burn permit requirements, but the DNR advises following safe burning rules no matter the setting — never burn on a windy day, always have a water source nearby and never leave a fire unattended, even for a minute. An individual can be found legally liable for setting a wildfire, the DNR added.

For more information, go online to Michigan.gov/BurnPermit.