A springtime reminder, grass and leaves that were on the ground over the winter are very dry and can ignite easily from a spark or an ember
If you intend to burn yard debris, make sure that weather conditions are favorable. Go to Michigan.gov/BurnPermit to see if burn permits are being issued in your area.
Here are some other safety tips to keep in mind:
- Never leave any fire unattended.
- Keep a hose or other water source nearby when burning yard waste or enjoying a campfire or bonfire.
- Prevent sparks. Keep trailer chains from dragging and don’t park hot equipment on dry grass.
- Do not shoot fireworks into the woods or into dry grass or shrubs.
- It’s illegal to burn plastic, hazardous materials, foam or other household trash. This can release dangerous chemicals into the air.
- Use a burn barrel with a screen on top to burn paper, leaves and natural materials.
Get more safety tips at Michigan.gov/PreventWildfires.
The state of Michigan does not require burn permits, however permission to burn is required via the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Permission to Burn map available on-line DNR Burn Permits Map (state.mi.us)
Michigan law allows burning of:
- Leaves, grass, limbs, brush, stumps and evergreen needles
- Household paper materials that do not contain plastic, rubber, foam, chemically treated wood, textiles, electronics, chemicals or hazardous materials. These must be burned in a covered metal or masonry container with openings no larger than ¾ inches.
Visit Michigan Department of Natural Resources for more information Michigan.gov/BurnPermit.
PURSUANT TO THE WATERSMEET OUTDOOR FIRE REGULATION ORDINANCE – FINES WILL BE IMPOSED FOR ILLEGAL OPEN BURNING
Offenders will also be required to reimburse the township(s) for all costs associated with an emergency response.