Table of Contents
Burn Permit Hotline
A burn permit for properties outside the City of South Haven may be acquired by calling:
639-FIRE (269-639-3473)
Open Burn permits will not be issued for properties in South Haven City.
Fire Danger Ratings
| Color | Description |
|---|---|
| Low (L) (Green) | Fuels do not ignite readily from small firebrands although a more intense heat source, such as lightning, may start fires in duff or punky wood. Fires in open cured grasslands may burn freely a few hours after rain, but woods fires spread slowly by creeping or smoldering, and burn in irregular fingers. There is little danger of spotting. |
| Moderate (M) (Blue) | Fires can start from most accidental causes but, with the exception of lightning fires in some areas, the number of starts is generally low. Fires in open cured grasslands will burn briskly and spread rapidly on windy days. Timber fires spread slowly to moderately fast. The average fire is of moderate intensity, although heavy concentrations of fuel, especially draped fuel, may burn hot. Short-distance spotting may occur, but is not persistent. Fires are not likely to become serious and control is relatively easy. |
| High (H) (Yellow) | All fine dead fuels ignite readily and fires start easily from most causes. Unattended brush and campfires are likely to escape. Fires spread rapidly and short-distance spotting is common. High-intensity burning may develop on slopes or in concentrations of fine fuels. Fires may become serious and their control difficult unless they are attacked successfully while small. |
| Very High (VH) (Orange) | Fires start easily from all causes and, immediately after ignition, spread rapidly and increase quickly in intensity. Spot fires are a constant danger. Fires burning in light fuels may quickly develop high intensity characteristics such as long-distance spotting and fire whirlwinds when they burn into heavier fuels. |
| Extreme (E) (Red) | Fires start quickly, spread furiously, and burn intensely. All fires are potentially serious. Development into high intensity burning will usually be faster and occur from smaller fires than in the very high fire danger class. Direct attack is rarely possible and may be dangerous except immediately after ignition. Fires that develop headway in heavy slash or in conifer stands may be unmanageable while the extreme burning condition lasts. Under these conditions the only effective and safe control action is on the flanks until the weather changes or the fuel supply lessens. |
Burning any material other than brush and vegetation is a violation of state and federal law. Burning of prohibited materials can cause you to be cited into court, pay fines and court costs, and costs of suppressing your fire. Permit Holders are responsible for the fire they kindle; you may be held liable for damages if your fire spreads. Additional information is available from the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality.
If you will be burning on more than one day please call the Burn Permit Hotline before starting each day.
Please burn during the daylight hours and have the fire down or out by dark. Many good intentioned people call in false alarms after dark when they see flames.
The permit holder assumes any and all liabilities for his/her actions and acknowledges that many other state and federal regulations apply to open burning, including but not limited to, the Clean Air Act, Solid Waste Management.
Be it further understood that the permit holder may be required to reimburse SHAES for any and all costs in extinguishment of the permitted fire or any complications arising from the permitted fire.
Possible Permits
Open Burn Permit
Open Burning is defined as burning brush or vegetation without a containment vessel where the by-products, heat and embers are released to the surrounding area and air.
Section 307 of the Fire Code requires that an Open Burn Permit be obtained prior to kindling a fire for silvicultural, range or wildlife management practices, disease or pest control. Application for the Open Burn Permit can only be presented by and issued to the land owner. As provided in Section 307.2.2 open burning that will be or becomes offensive or objectionable due to smoke, or odor or when conditions make burning hazardous the permit holder shall extinguish the fire.
Open Burn permits are not allowed in South Haven City.
Recreational Burn Permit
Recreational Burning is defined as burning wood (not rubbish) not contained in a barbecue grill or pit, incinerator or outdoor fireplace where the by-products, heat and embers are released to the surrounding area and air.
Section 307 of the Fire Code requires that an Recreational Burn Permit be obtained prior to kindling a fire for pleasure, religious ceremonial, cooking, warmth or similar purposes. Application for the Open Burn Permit can only be presented by and issued to the land owner. As provided in Section 307.2.2 open burning that will be or becomes offensive or objectionable due to smoke, or odor or when conditions make burning hazardous the permit holder shall extinguish the fire.
Bon-Fire Permit
Bonfire is defined as burning seasoned dry brush or wood without a containment vessel where the by-products, heat and embers are released to the surrounding area and air.
Section 307 of the Fire Code requires that a Bon-Fire Permit be obtained prior to kindling a fire for ceremonial purposes. Application for the Bon-Fire Permit can only be presented by and issued to the land owner. As provided in Section 307.2.2 any open burning that will be or becomes offensive or objectionable due to smoke, or odor or when conditions make burning hazardous the permit holder shall extinguish the fire.
Requirements
Open Burn and Bon-Fire Permits
- The location shall not be less than 50 feet from any structure and provisions shall be made to prevent spreading to within 50 feet of any structure.
- The fire shall be constantly attended until the fire is extinguished and at minimum one fire extinguisher or other extinguishing agent (garden hose etc.) available for immediate use.
- Only brush and/or vegetation may be burned.
Recreational Burn Permit
- The location shall not be less than 25 feet from any structure or combustible materials unless contained in a pit. The maximum size is 3 feet wide by 2 feet high.
- The fire shall be constantly attended until the fire is extinguished and at minimum one fire extinguisher or other extinguishing agent (garden hose etc.) available for immediate use.
- Only seasoned wood may be burned.
Prohibited
- Structures of any form and/or demolished structures.
- Roofing material, singles, tar paper or other roofing products.
- Treated lumber.
- Timbers lumber or boards painted, varnished or clean.
- Plastic products.
- Tires, foam rubber, or rubber products or any kind.
- Chemicals of any type including gasoline & diesel fuel.
- No lumber, plastics, styrofoam, building materials, animals or animal byproducts, rubber or petroleum products shall be burned.
- Burning leaves within the South Haven City limits.