By David Fleet

Editor

An exceptionally dry June has prompted local fire departments to issue open fire bans in Atlas, Brandon and Groveland townships. The Department of Natural Resources has issued an extreme fire danger for southeast Michigan on June 29 prompting the ban which includes recreational burning or brush burning and bonfires until further notice.

Still, due to the expanse of undeveloped woodlands, Groveland Township Fire Chief Steve McGee will move forward with a ban on the discharge of consumer fireworks, low-impact fireworks and novelties in all areas of the township until the impending fire danger has been eliminated as determined safe by the fire chief.

“There’s a lot of state land out in Groveland Township and open spaces that could very easily be susceptible to fireworks of any kind,” said McGee . “Those fireworks are just not safe with the lack of rain we’ve had in the area.”

McGee said the ban comes from the Fire Prevention Code, Act No. 207 of 1941 where conditions are dangerous to persons or property.

Both Brandon Fire Department and Atlas Township Fire Department are waiting for the state fire marshal to make a decision on banning fireworks statewide.

Brandon Fire Chief David Kwapis recommends that residents wishing to ignite fireworks wait until conditions improve for their use.

“The fire department cannot regulate or ban the use of personal fireworks during the Fourth of July, we ask that you please be aware of your surroundings because of the extreme dry conditions and shoot off fireworks responsibly,” he said. “Just don’t use them right now. If you have a tall field of grass, close homes, how are you going to make sure those fireworks are not going to cause a fire? It’s just a really bad time right now. If you do use them, please keep a garden hose ready and pre-wet the area before fireworks are used. Always have an adequate means of extinguishment nearby in every case.”

Atlas Township Fire Chief Fred Forys agrees.

“It’s really dry out there,” he said. “Just use common sense if you choose to celebrate with fireworks,” he said. “I hope it rains, but it’s going to take some time before all that dry grass is wet enough.”

All fire departments remind residents that if your fire gets out of control and the fire department is summoned you will be responsible for cost of personnel, vehicles, damages, possible court costs that can reach into the thousands and loss of burning privileges.