A mix of dry spring weather and ample green tree branches following the recent ice storm has resulted in a host of requests for burn permits.
So many, says David Borst, Brandon Fire Department assistant fire chief that it could interfere with the departments work.
‘The number of calls disrupts the firefighters? day,? said Borst.
‘During the spring months we sometimes have more than 200 calls per day for burn permits and due to the great number of downed branches we have been overwhelmed with calls.?
To remedy the number of requests, begining April 25, the Brandon Fire Department will implement year long burning permits valid until Dec. 31.
Residents will be required to apply at Fire Station One, 53 South St., Ortonville, or Station Two, 3065 Sashabaw Road. Residents will no longer have to contact the fire department each time they want to burn.
Borst added that residents who follow some simple rules typically don’t have a burn out of control and the greatest cause of grass fires are those fires left unattended.
The new policy is a significant change from the current two-day burn permit required by many local fire departments.
‘We will revisit the burning permit issue but right now we are staying on the day-by-day issue,? said Steve McGee, Groveland Township fire chief.
‘The day-to-day permit allows us to decide if the weather is right for an open burn. Too windy or too dry makes a big factor in fires.?
McGee, a 28 year veteran firefighter, said the Groveland Township firefighters respond to about 10 to 15 grass fires per year and that while a dry spring makes a difference other factors should also be considered, including the amount of snowfall and wind conditions. Prior to any burn, residents need to contact the fire department.