MANAGE BACKYARD FIRES

TO AVOID DAMAGES AND FINES

EAST LANSING, Mich. – As Michigan homeowners begin early season yard work, debris burning is often part of the routine. If a small backyard fire gets out of hand and starts a wildfire, the homeowner might not only have property damage but a hefty bill from the local fire department, too.

Michigan fire law states that even with a burning permit, residents who burn brush or other materials are responsible for maintaining and controlling their fires.

Each year, Michigan experiences 8,000 to 10,000 wildfires, some of which damage or destroy homes and outbuildings.

“People greatly underestimate the chance of a burn pile or burn barrel causing a wildfire,” says Mark Hansen, Michigan State University (MSU) Extension wildfire specialist. They also do not realize that even with a permit, they are responsible for the fire.”

Michigan residents must obtain a burning permit for any fire larger than a campfire. If the resident is negligent and the fire gets away, he or she may be responsible for the costs incurred, which often reach thousands of dollars for local and state fire suppression costs.

If homeowners plan to burn, they should check local fire ordinances in their township to see if burning is allowed. Then they must get a burning permit before doing so.

For more information on reducing wildfire outbreaks, pick up a copy of, “Understanding Wildfire Behavior in Michigan” (bulletin E-2882) at your county MSU Extension office, or visit <www.msue.msu.edu/emergency>.

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