By Fire Chief David Scutt

The following change is necessary to bring the City of Mason in compliance with the Department of Environmental Quality open burning regulations.

In part, these regulations state that the burning of logs, trees, stumps and brush may not take place within or closer than 1,400 feet to an incorporated city. For further information of these regulations please go to: www.michigan.gov/deqair. Scroll down to Spotlight Information, click Open Burning Information, scroll down to Guidance Publications, then click on Michigan Open Burning Guide.

Following these guidelines the only open burning that will be allowed in or closer than 1,400 feet to the City limits will be recreational fires. Recreational fires are allowed under Mason City Code #26, only after proper inspection and authorization by the Mason Fire Department and are subject to the following conditions.

1. “Recreational Fires” are defined as the burning of charcoal, seasoned firewood, or other fuel approved by the fire chief or a designee where the fuel being burned is contained within a device or pit inspected and approved by the fire chief, or agent.

2. An annual permit is required in order to maintain a recreational fire upon payment of $25.00.

3. An annual inspection is required to maintain a recreational fire.

4. Recreational fires cannot be located within 15 feet of a structure, nor within 15 feet of an existing property line, except when specifically authorized by the fire chief, or designee.

5. Recreational fires shall not exceed 36 inches in diameter and the flame height shall not exceed 24 inches from the ground surrounding the device or pit.

6. Recreational fires are permitted only on property used and occupied as a single- family dwelling in any zoning district.

7. Recreational fire shall not take place between the hours of 12:00a.m. and 7:00a.m.

8. Fires must be attended at all times and extinguishing equipment must be nearby.

9. If wind velocity reaches 10 mph or above, all burning is prohibited.

10. Any permit issued under Code 26 sections 126, 127, and 128 may be withheld or suspended by the highest ranking fire officer on duty, if the officer determines that the fire is a hazard or nuisance to persons or property in the vicinity.

11. This recreational burning permit shall be in effect from January 1st through December 31st.

This code may be found on line at http://mason-mi.com/home.htm. Click on City Forms & Documents, scroll down to Fire Department Forms, and click on Recreational Burn Permit.

All burning permits are issued through City Hall during regular business hours 8a.m. through 5p.m. Monday through Friday. Burning permits are not issued on weekends or holidays.

Please see the article in this newsletter written by Dennis O’Brien, City of Mason Parks and Cemetery Supervisor for alternative ways to properly dispose of brush without burning.

Please contact the Mason Fire Department at 244-9025 if you have any questions.