Stronach Township follows the State of Michigan’s burn rules, and there is no separate township burn permit. Before you burn brush, leaves or other yard debris, you need a burn permit from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. The box above checks the DNR’s system and shows today’s status for Manistee County.
How DNR burn permits work
Manistee County is one of the northern Michigan counties where the DNR issues burn permits, and the permits are free. Each day the DNR posts, township by township, whether burning is allowed. If the listing for Stronach Township says Yes, that listing is your permit for the day, and there is nothing to print or sign. If it says No, open debris burning is not allowed, and burning without a permit breaks state law. Fire danger changes with the weather, so check on the day you plan to burn, every time. You can check at Michigan.gov/BurnPermit or by calling 866-922-BURN (866-922-2876).
What you can burn
A DNR burn permit covers yard and tree debris: leaves, grass, limbs, brush, stumps and evergreen needles. Household paper can be burned only if it contains no plastic, rubber, foam, chemically treated wood, textiles, electronics, chemicals or hazardous materials, and only in a covered metal or masonry container with openings no larger than three-quarters of an inch. Never burn household trash, demolition or construction debris, or automotive parts.
When you don’t need a permit
Campfires for cooking and recreation don’t need a permit. The DNR also doesn’t require one when there is continuous snow cover on the ground. State air quality rules still prohibit burning yard debris within 1,400 feet of an incorporated city or village.
Burn safely
You are responsible for any damage if your fire escapes. Keep piles small and well away from buildings, trees and overhead wires. Before you light, have a garden hose, a bucket of water and a shovel at hand, and don’t burn on windy days. Stay with the fire until it is completely out: drown it, stir it, and feel for heat. If a fire gets away from you, call 911 immediately.
Source: Michigan Department of Natural Resources. Questions? Call the Stronach Township Fire Department at 231-454-2184.