Comstock Township Outdoor Burning Rules

Burn Permits: Burning permits are required for any type of outdoor burning that is not contained in an approved container or barrel (unless it is a recreational fire as defined below). Permits may be obtained by utilizing the Comstock Township Burn Permit Application System (BurnPAS™), or alternatively you may call or stop in to either fire station. Permits are only valid for the day the permit is issued. A new permit must be requested for each day that you wish to burn.

Weather Conditions: Permits will only be issued when weather conditions are unfavorable for wildfires. No permits will be issued when the Michigan Department of Natural Resources reports or forecasts a High, Very High or Extreme fire index.

Outdoor Open Burning Rules: Permits for outdoor burning will be issued for conducting open burning under the following regulations:

• Burning is restricted to leaves, brush, trees limbs, stumps and lumber. Burning of garbage, paper products, building material other than lumber, plastic products and specifically prohibited.
• Fires must be a minimum distance of 50 feet from any building or other combustible materials, 10 feet from any public roadway and 75 feet from any property line.
• Persons requesting a burn permit must be the property owner or in legal control of the property where the fire is going to be.
• All fires must be attended by a competent adult at all times until the fire is completely extinguished. A garden hose and water supply or other fire extinguishing equipment must be on hand while burning.
• Outdoor fires will only be permitted during daylight hours (sunrise to sunset). Recreational fires are the only fires permitted to be conducted after dark.
• Waste matter which causes a dense smoke or odor to go onto adjacent property may not be burned, under permit or otherwise. In addition, the Fire Chief and/or his/her authorized representative may require the fire to be discontinued if he/she determines that the smoke from the fire is reasonably offensive to persons on surrounding property or that the fire constitutes a hazardous condition.

Recreational Fires: Recreational fires do not require a burn permit as long as the fire is contained in a fire or barbecue pit not to exceed three feet in diameter and not to exceed two feet in height. All recreational fires must be at least 25 feet from any building, property line or other combustible material. Waste matter which causes a dense smoke or odor to go onto adjacent property may not be burned, under permit or otherwise. In addition, the Fire Chief and/or his/her authorized representative may require the fire to be discontinued if he/she determines that the smoke from the fire is reasonably offensive to persons on surrounding property or that the fire constitutes a hazardous condition.

Burning Barrels and Waste Burners: No burn permit is required for burning in a burn barrel or waste burner as long as it complies with the following rules:

• Burning barrels and waste burners are to be constructed of a non-combustible metal or masonry container, not to exceed a capacity of 55 gallons.
• Containers must be in good condition with holes or openings on the sides not to exceed ½ square inch. All containers must have a cover or spark arrester on top with holes no larger than ½ square inch.
• Burning barrels and waste burners must be kept as least 15 feet from any building, public roadway, property line or other combustible materials.
• Only paper products, leaves, brush, tree limbs, stumps or lumber may be burned in these containers. Burning of grass clippings, garbage, building materials other than lumber, plastic and rubber products are specifically prohibited.
• Waste matter which causes a dense smoke or odor to go onto adjacent property may not be burned, under permit or otherwise. In addition, the Fire Chief and/or his/her authorized representative may require the fire to be discontinued if he/she determines that the smoke from the fire is reasonably offensive to persons on surrounding property or that the fire constitutes a hazardous condition.

Station 9-1: 1960 River Street | (269) 345-2113
Station 9-2: 5947 East H Avenue | (269) 349-5282
Station 9-3: 8700 East Michigan Avenue | (269) 381-0804
Administrative Office: 8700 East Michigan Avenue | (269) 345-9244

BurnPAS™: http://burnpas.comstockfire.com