City of Imlay City Fire & Rescue

Open buring is allowed in Imlay Township under the following Conditions:

1. You must have a permit to have an open fire.
2. Any person who maliciously sets a fire which endangers human life or destroys the property of another, may upon conviction, be assessed a fine of not more than $10,000, or imprisonment for a term of not more than 10 years or both such fine and imprisonment.
3. Any person who sets a fire without taking responsible precautions to prevent the escape thereof or leaves the fire before it is extinguished is guilt of a misdemeanor.
4. Any person who negligently allows a fire to escape is liable for all expenses incurred by Imlay City/Imlay Township in the suppression of such fire.
5. Any permit issued may be revoked if conditions are not met or if burning cannot be done safely.
6. This permit does not supersede any other Act, Ordinance, or rule, which further restricts or prohibits the setting of fires.

Local Ordinance:
Any person, firm, or corporation who violates any provision of this chapter is responsible for a municipal civil infraction, subject to payment of a civil fine of not less than $50 plus costs and other sanctions for each infraction.
Repeat offenses under this chapter shall be subject to increased fines as provided in local ordinances.

• His/Her responsibility for complying with all air pollution laws, regulations and ordinances.
• His/Her responsibility for keeping a competent watch over the fire.
• His/Her responsibility for any damage the fires may cause to other parties or their property. Good judgement MUST be used when burning even though a permit has been obtained.

NOTE: UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHALL ANYTHING OTHER THAN NATURAL VEGETATION BE BURNED.

Is defined as the open burning of leaves, tree branches or yard trimmings originating on the premises of private residences and burned on those premises. The burning of these materials shall not create a nuisance. Also included are recreational bonfires and construction related warming fires using firewood.

Only natural vegetation is allowed to be burned in the open. Natural vegetation is defined as brush, grass, leaves, logs, tree limbs, yard clippings and similar items. Lumber or wood products (dimensional lumber, plywood, chipboard, etc.) are not considered to be natural vegetation and the burning of such materials is not permitted.

State of Michigan (Public Act 102 of 2012) prohibits the burning of household waste with the exception of untreated paper. Trash that contains plastic, rubber, foam, chemically treated wood, textiles, electronics, chemicals, or hazardous materials are not permitted to be burned at any time. Homeowners that choose to burn trash that is not prohibited may do so in an approved container on their property as long as it does not violate any other local or state ordinances or regulations. An approved container is constructed of metal or masonry with a metal covering device with openings no larger than 3/4 inch. If you're not sure if an item is allowed to be burned in the open, please contact our office by telephone (810-724-6262) or by email at firechief@imlaycity.org and we'll assist you in the determination.

Assistance Completing Forms / Questions

For residents served by the Imlay City Fire Department having questions or needing assistance in filling out forms should call the following numbers based on your local government:
Imlay City Residents should call City Hall at 810-724-2135.
Township Residents should call the Imlay Township Hall at 810-724-8835.

Minimum Requirements

You must have the items listed below in order to burn.

1. You must be 18 or older to obtain a burn permit
2. A charged garden hose or a five gallon bucket of water unless the ground is completely covered with snow
3. A shovel or rake
4. Pile must be at least 20 feet from structures

Open burning is prohibited for any of the following reasons:

1. The burning is offensive due to smoke and/or odor emissions when atmospheric conditions or local circumstances make such fires objectionable to others.
2. Location of the open burning is less than 20 feet from any structure.
3. Fire in approved containers is less than 15 feet from any structure.
4. The open burning is for the disposal of any construction or other prohibited materials.
5. The open burning is not constantly attended and/or a garden hose or other approved fire extinguishing equipment is not available for use.

If burning violates any of the rules above, your permit to burn may be revoked by the Fire Chief or his designee until such a time as you can demonstrate compliance with these rules

Permits are normally valid for up to three (3) consecutive days. Subsequent burning without a permit is a violation of these rules. Unless restricted due to weather conditions, this permit will be valid from 1/25/2021 through 1/27/2021.

By completing the following form, I request authorization to start or cause to be started a fire upon land under my control at the specified address.