OPEN BURNING ORDINANCE

A letter from the Ishpeming Fire Department to the Residents of the City of Ishpeming

Dear Citizens:

There has been some confusion about burning within the City of Ishpeming. The City of Ishpeming Volunteer Fire Department would like it’s residents to know that there is no open burning allowed within the City limits unless it complies with the following:

Campfires in designated campgrounds
Small, enclosed, backyard fire pits or fireplaces
Outdoor barbecues where food preparation is the sole purpose and use of fire generating materials.
Outdoor fireplace structures or wood stoves that are designated and constructed to burn wood for the sole purpose of providing a primary or secondary heating source for a residential or commercial structure.
Ceremonial burning events.
The open burning of trees, logs, brush and stumps is not allowed if (1) the burning is conducted closer than 1,400 feet from the boundary of an incorporated city or village (2) or in an incorporated city or village. THESE ARE THE STATE OF MICHIGAN’S, DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY (DEQ) LAWS AND WE HAVE NO AUTHORITY TO OVERRIDE THESE AIR QUALITY LAWS.

We do not allow the burning of leaves or grass within the city limits (we maintain a recycling center for the friendly disposal of grass, brush, tree limbs, or similar materials). Building materials as described by the (DEQ) are also not allowed to be burned within the City limits.

NO PERMITS WILL BE GRANTED AUTHORIZING THE BURNING OF THE ABOVE MATERIALS.

The only burning permits issued within the city limits will be for bon-fire type or ceremonial activities, for Public Government groups, club sponsored events or recognized religious groups. Examples, Ishpeming Public School events, Ishpeming Ski Club events and similar groups, or live fire training involving the City of Ishpeming Volunteer Fire Department.

Sincerely,

City of Ishpeming Volunteer Fire Department

Click here for more information from the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ)