From "Managing Michigan's Wildlife: A landowner's Guide"

When using fire it is important to plan for firebreaks. A firebreak is an area that will contain a fire within its boundaries. A plowed or disked strip, reaching down to mineral soil, is the most common method of establishing a firebreak. Sometimes, a mowed path, or a walking trail, can be used as a fire break.

Firebreaks can also be planted to grasses and clovers so they can provide key food and cover to wildlife. For example, if an area is burned every five to seven years, the firebreak is disked up the fall before the burn. Then, after the spring burn, the firebreak is planted to grasses and clovers.

Firebreaks should be at least 20 feet wide.