Alger County, Michigan
Partial restrictions apply in Alger: burning is permitted only with a permit or within specific exceptions.
What this means
- Small cooking fires (grill, camp stove)
Penalties in Michigan
Burning without a required permit violates Part 515 of Michigan's Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act, and MCL 324.51512 makes any violation of that part a misdemeanor. The DNR also warns that you are responsible for all damages resulting from a fire that escapes, separately from any penalty. Setting fire to forest land willfully, maliciously or wantonly falls under MCL 324.51510 and is a felony punishable by up to 10 years' imprisonment, a fine of up to $10,000, or both.
Classification: Misdemeanor (felony for willfully set fires) · Maximum fine: Misdemeanor under MCL 324.51512; willfully, maliciously or wantonly setting fire is a felony carrying up to 10 years and up to $10,000
Recent status history
- Aug 21, 2026 — Partial Restrictions
- Aug 17, 2026 — Burn Ban in Effect
- Aug 16, 2026 — No Restrictions
Sources & audit log
| Checked | Source | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Aug 21, 2026 | Michigan DNR — Burn Permits Map ↗ | status: Partial Restrictions |
Neighbouring counties
Notify me when this changes
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Still legal during a ban
None of these are a way around Alger county's restriction — they're what stays legal regardless of it: contained burning, screened fire pits, and basic fire safety gear. Always confirm locally before burning anything.
Contained burn barrels
A lidded, spark-arrestor barrel keeps debris burning contained rather than as open burning — check your county's rules, since some bans cover any outdoor fire regardless of containment.
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Most burn bans target open debris burning, not a screened recreational fire pit — but always confirm locally, since some restrictions cover any outdoor flame.
Fire extinguishers
Always worth having on hand near any permitted fire, ban or no ban.
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Limits of this information
burnbanradar reads public burn-ban orders as published by Michigan DNR — Burn Permits Map and reports them unchanged. Cities and municipalities within Alger county may impose stricter rules than the county order. Water districts and state forestry rules may add further restrictions. When an order is ambiguous or the source cannot be reached, we show Unconfirmed instead of guessing a status. The county's own posted order governs.
Common questions
Is Alger county under a burn ban right now?
Partial restrictions apply. Michigan's statewide rule limits when and where you can burn today. See the "What this means" module above for the specifics.
What can I still burn in Alger county?
Standard open burning is currently permitted, subject to any municipal ordinance in your area. Never leave a fire unattended, and keep water and a shovel nearby.
How do I report an illegal fire in Alger county?
Call 911 for any fire that is out of control or threatens property. For non-emergency violations of a burn-ban order, contact the Alger Sheriff's Office or fire marshal.