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Online Burning Permit System

For the issuance of burning permits for properties located in:
Burlington Township, Lapeer County
Village of Clifford, Lapeer County
That portion of Koylton Township, Tuscola County protected by Burlington Township Fire Department

Issuance of permit does NOT relieve the permittee of:

  • 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. Permissible Burning 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) is not considered to be natural vegetation and the burning of such materials is not permitted. 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.

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 50 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 50 feet from any structure.

  3. Fire in approved containers are 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.

Permits are normally valid from the date of request + 10 days. Subsequent burning without a permit is a violation of these rules. Unless restricted due to weather conditions,this permit will be valid from 3/9/2026 through 3/19/2026

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.

Has your ability to obtain a burn permit ever been restricted due to a violation of the open burning rules?
The fuels burned shall consist of: Required

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