If you are planning on having a bonfire while enjoying the fireworks this weekend, you may want to think again if you don’t have a burning permit.
‘Any ‘open burning,? except charcoal and gas cooking grills, requires a burning permit,? said Lake Orion Fire Chief Jeff Key.
Perhaps you have purchased a portable burning container with the intention to have a small fire, thinking that the burning ordinance doesn’t apply. According to Key, this is not the case.
‘This includes the small decorative burning containers sold in various retail stores,? he said of the burning ordinance in relation to these containers.
Police Chief Jerry Narsh said that fire safety is extremely important, especially in older communities such as Lake Orion.
‘The Village is an older community with homes that are close together,? Narsh said, noting that the fire that occurred in downtown Lake Orion, engulfing Sagebrush Cantina and surrounding businesses is an example of how quickly old buildings can be destroyed by a fire.
‘We don’t want that in a residential section,? he added.
For those who are interested in having a small fire, they can apply for a burning permit.
According to Key, you can do this by calling the 24-hour non-emergency number at (248)693-1838.
‘A fire officer will have to come out to your home to inspect the location where you want to burn,? he said. ‘If the location is acceptable and the burning can be done safely, a permit can be issued.?
In the Village, Key added, burning permits issued are limited to small campfires for cookouts.
According to Key, there is no charge for a burning permit and they are valid for the calendar year in which they were issued. They can then be renewed over the phone each year thereafter.
But in cases of windy or dry conditions, burning may sometimes be cancelled, he said.
Also, even if you have a burning permit, if the smoke or odor from an authorized fire creates a nuisance, the fire must be extinguished.
‘If you burn without a permit, or allow the fire to get out of control, an ordinance violation may be issued, and you will be responsible for any fines and/or the cost of extinguishing the fire,? said Key.
Narsh added that not only could you be facing fines and cost recovery (the cost of sending firemen and a truck to your home to put out the fire), you could also face civil liability.
Failure to keep the fire safe and burning in conditions that are deemed appropriate could lead to loss of property, but Narsh said also ‘loss of life.?
‘I encourage everyone to follow the rules,? Narsh added. ‘Burn responsibly and burn legally.?