ALPENA — Burn permits are suspended across most of Michigan to reduce the risk of spread of the coronavirus among firefighters and to leave staff available for dealing with more critical needs, a press release from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources announced today.

Burning yard debris is the top cause of wildfires in Michigan, the DNR reported. To limit the risk of exposing first responders to the virus and make sure trained personnel and equipment are available to assist with COVID-19 response as needed, fires are banned in most of the state, including all of Northeast Michigan.

The ban is not in effect in certain snow-covered portions of the Upper Peninsula.

The progress of ban permits can be tracked at www2.dnr.state.mi.us/burnpermits.