đź“ś Local Fire Ordinances
All recreational fires must follow the Burning Ordinance for the location of the burn. Violations may result in fines or fire suppression charges. Open Burning is described below. It is by Permit Only and must comply with the Burning Ordinance for the location of the burn. Please review the applicable local ordinance below, before applying for a Permit or lighting a recreational fire.
Antrim Township
Bennington Township
Morrice Village
Perry City
Perry Township
Open Burning with a Permit
S.S.E.S.A. is committed to public safety and responsible outdoor burning. If you plan to conduct open burning, you must obtain a burn permit. This helps to reduce fire hazards. It also protects air quality and ensures compliance with local and state regulations.
🔥 What Is Open Burning?
Open burning refers to any fire conducted outdoors that is not contained within a recreational fire pit or approved incinerator. Common examples include:
- Brush burning
- Yard waste burning
- Agricultural burning
- Land-clearing debris fires
A valid burn permit is required for all types of open burning except for small, recreational fires.
đź“‹ Burn Permit Requirements
To burn legally in S.S.E.S.A.’s coverage area, you must:
- Obtain a burning permit from S.S.E.S.A.
- Only burn approved materials: natural vegetation such as leaves, branches, and brush
- Comply with all burn hours and weather conditions specified in the permit
- Have the fire attended at all times by an adult with fire suppression tools on hand
Permits are typically valid for 2 days and may include location-specific restrictions. A 48-hour notice is required for all permits. They will only be reviewed during the hours of 8:00am and 5:00pm, Monday thru Friday.
âś… Apply online for a burn permit or call (517) 625-7611 for more information.
❌ Prohibited Materials
It is illegal to burn the following materials, even with a permit:
- Garbage or household waste
- Plastic, rubber, or treated wood
- Construction or demolition debris
- Painted or chemically treated materials
Illegal burning can result in fines, permit revocation, or emergency response charges.
đźš’ Fire Department Inspections & Enforcement
Our fire department may inspect burn sites to ensure compliance with:
State burning regulations
Local fire ordinances
Air quality control standards
If your burn violates permit conditions, enforcement actions may include warnings, citations, or immediate fire suppression by our team.
Recreational Fires: Safety Guidelines & Local Regulations
Welcome to the S.S.E.S.A. Recreational Fire Safety Resource. Whether you’re enjoying a backyard bonfire or roasting marshmallows with friends, it’s important to stay informed. If you’re using an outdoor fire pit, be sure to follow local fire safety rules.
🔥 What Is a Recreational Fire?
A recreational fire is an outdoor fire used for warmth, cooking, or entertainment. This includes campfires, fire pits, and backyard bonfires. These fires are small, controlled, and not used to dispose of yard waste or trash.
âś… Permitted Recreational Fires
In [Your City or County Name], recreational fires are allowed under the following conditions:
- Fire must be no larger than 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet high
- Must be contained in a non-combustible fire ring, fire bowl, or pit
- Fire is located at least 25 feet away from any structure, trees, or combustible materials
- A responsible adult must be present at all times with a method to extinguish the fire (e.g., garden hose, fire extinguisher, or sand)
❌ Prohibited Fires
The following are not allowed under recreational fire laws:
- Burning leaves, trash, or construction debris
- Fires during burn bans or red flag warnings
- Fires that produce excessive smoke or nuisance odors
đź”’ Fire Pit Safety Tips
To reduce fire risk and protect your family and neighbors:
- Always check the current fire danger level and burn bans
- Never use gasoline or lighter fluid to start your fire
- Keep a safe perimeter and supervise children and pets
- Extinguish the fire completely before leaving it unattended