(Chelsea Update would like to thank Chelsea Area Fire Chief Jim Payeur for the information in this story.)
The Chelsea Area Fire Authority has had many inquiries with regard to obtaining burn permits and outdoor burning in general.
The following information should be helpful to the residents and businesses of the communities we serve. They can also find information about obtaining a burn permit on our web site.
- The Burn Permit Hotline is 475-1339. You must call the day you intend to burn and on each day that you intend to burn.
- CAFA does not do prescribed burns of fields or wild lands. There are private companies that will do this for a fee. You can find information about companies offering this service here, look for Michigan Prescribed Fire Council’s web page.
- CAFA asks you to use good judgment and not burn on windy days. A brisk wind can quickly spread fire onto other property and/or ignite structures. If you are in doubt you can contact the fire department on-duty staff on our business line at 475-8755.
- Burn piles should be a minimum of 75-feet away from structures or other combustibles.
- Burn permits do not allow the burning of construction materials. All materials to be burned should be of natural origin such as leaves, dried grass, brush, etc.
- Recreational fires are allowed within the Chelsea City limits, however, any other open burning is not permitted.
- Burn permit rules do apply for recreational fires.
- Summer can bring periods of dry weather and dry vegetation. Even recreational fires can be problematic during these times so be sure to contact us to see if there are any burning restrictions during periods of dry weather.
- DNR and DEQ websites have additional information on the burning of wild lands.
- CAFA wishes all residents a safe spring clean-up as well as a safe and enjoyable summer recreational season.
