Prescribed Fires at Sleeping Bear Dunes

May 16, 2026

Each spring, the team at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore sets prescribed fires in the park, which are intended to restore forest habitat and clear out undergrowth to reduce the threat of wildfires. Before May 31, there will be two fires in the Platte Plains area on 1,184 acres. Per their press release, “One burn unit includes and surrounds the Lasso Loop of the Platte Plains Trail. The second burn unit falls between Peterson and Lasso Roads.” If you’re headed that way, be sure to check the “alerts” section of the website at nps.gov/slbe. And as warmer, drier weather arrives, make sure you’re practicing fire safety in the park (and in any outdoor environment), as most wildfires are human caused. The National Park Services recommends practicing Leave No Trace principles, skipping the campfire, bringing a portable fire extinguisher, and reporting fire and smoke if you see it.