The potential danger of open burning yard debris

  • In Michigan, open burning is regulated by the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act (Act 451 of 1994) and associated rules. The act includes: Air Pollution Control – Part 55, Solid Waste Management – Part 115, Forest Fire Prevention – Part 515. In addition, local units of government, such as city, county, or township boards, often regulate open burning through local laws. Local open burning laws take precedence over state regulations only if they are more restrictive.
    In Michigan, open burning is regulated by the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act (Act 451 of 1994) and associated rules. The act includes: Air Pollution Control – Part 55, Solid Waste Management – Part 115, Forest Fire Prevention – Part 515. In addition, local units of government, such as city, county, or township boards, often regulate open burning through local laws. Local open burning laws take precedence over state regulations only if they are more restrictive.
    GLADWINOpen burning is when material, often times yard debris, is burned. Steve Schummer, Forest Fire Supervisor for the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, shared that 80 percent of reported wildfires are due to humans and debris burning is the number one cause. “Spring season is the worst for open burning of yard debris due to the vegetation being dormant from ...

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