A person shall not kindle or maintain or authorize to be kindled or maintained any open burning unless conducted and approved in accordance with these rules as required by:

  • The Charter Township of Garfield Fire Prevention Ordinance #81 2026
  • The East Bay Charter Township Fire Prevention Ordinance #1 2026
  • The Acme Township Fire Prevention Ordinance #1 2026

The burning of yard waste, grass or leaves, development clearing, or for lot and land improvements is prohibited. The burning of trash in burn barrels is prohibited.

Any Grand Traverse Metro Emergency Services Officer is authorized to order the extinguishment of any open burning by the permit holder, the person responsible for a fire, or the fire department. that creates or adds to a hazardous or objectionable situation or did not obtain a permit.

Recreational Campfires

Recreational campfires are allowed at any time without a permit. Fires shall be contained to a fire pit or ring no larger than 3 feet diameter with flames no higher than 2 feet high, located at least 25 feet from structures, natural vegetation or lot lines. Only clean burning, dry campfire type wood of sticks and split wood shall be burned.

Burn Permits

Burn Permit Required. A permit shall be obtained from the Fire Code Official prior to kindling a fire for recognized silviculture practices, tree and fruit farming operations, or range or wildlife management practices, prevention or control of disease, invasive species or pests, land maintenance or for special events. No permits shall be issued for parcels less than 5 acres in size. Application for such approval shall only be presented by and permits issued to the owner of the land upon which the fire is to be kindled. No permit shall be issued prior to 10 am on each day. A permit shall be valid for a period of 24 hours, except permits for tree and fruit farming operations may be issued for a period of up to three (3) days if the Fire Code Official determines that atmospheric conditions or local circumstances would not make an extended period hazardous. A separate permit must be obtained for each period and for each location a fire is kindled. Bum permit requests submitted after 4 pm will be considered on the following day.

Bonfires

Bonfires are defined as ceremonial fires that may exceed the 3 feet round by 2 feet high requirement. A PERMIT IS REQUIRED for these fires and a plan must be submitted to this office showing location of fire on the site plan of the property, containment methods, extinguishment methods on hand, security perimeter around the fire, and items to burned as fuel. These fires must be a minimum of 50 feet from any structure, adjoining property or other combustible material to which the fire could spread. For these events please fill out the (Special Events application form link) and submit to this office all required information.