(Publisher’s Note: The specific page for burn permits has been included 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 the fire authority serves.
Find more information about obtaining a burn permit on CAFA’s 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.
CAFA wishes all residents a safe spring clean-up as well as a safe and enjoyable summer recreational season.
From the state, it has been a cool, damp spring, so the nice weather may beckon many Michiganders to get outside and clean up the yard, break out the ORVs for a ride or build a fire for marshmallow roasting and relaxing.
But the combination of warm, dry weather and dry grasses and leaves left over from winter means people need to keep fire safety front and center.
“Nine out of 10 wildfires in Michigan are caused by people, but following a few simple fire safety tips can reduce the risk for everyone,” said Paul Rogers, fire prevention specialist with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.
Among his recommendations for a safe outdoor weekend:
Always check for permission to burn before lighting a fire. In the southern Lower Peninsula, check with your local fire authorities.
For the northern Lower and Upper peninsulas, go online at Michigan.gov/BurnPermit or call 866-922-BURN (866-922-2876) to make sure conditions are appropriate for safe burning.
When you do burn, clear the area of dry grass and leaves down to mineral soil. Keep your fire at least 10 feet away from any logs, stumps or other debris.
Never leave any fire unattended, even for a moment.
Keep a hose or other water source nearby.
When you’re finished burning, douse your fire with water, stir the ashes and douse again before leaving the site.
If you are operating an ORV, power tools or other machinery, remember that a hot muffler or engine can ignite dry leaves or grass, so keep machines away from those and other potential fuel sources. Trailer chains dragging on pavement can also cause sparks that could start a fire.
Get more fire safety tips at Michigan.gov/PreventWildfires.
