Ah spring — time to clean up the yard of all the dead wood, grass and tree limbs. But, hold on Bucko. Before you strike a match to that pile of debris, make sure you have the okay of the local fire department.
‘Our burn season is basically from October 1 to April 30. After that we also have recreational permits for camp fires,? Oxford Fire Chief Jack LeRoy said. ‘You cannot burn without a permit and you can’t burn leaves, rubber, plastics, roofing materials — anything that makes black smoke.?
In Addison Township Chief George Spencer agrees what not to burn, ‘Basically if it doesn’t fall off a tree or grow from the ground, don’t burn it.?
Both departments give yearly permits that must be renewed each year. If the fire department issues an illegal burn citation, it could cost the home owner up to $500 plus the cost of the fire run.
Once you have a permit, you’re fire responsibilities are not done. In Oxford, you must also call fire dispatch (248-628-2581) for the okay to burn that day. ‘The dispatcher will either allow a burn or disallow one depending on the wind and weather conditions,? LeRoy said.
To get your Oxford permit, visit Fire Station #1 on N. Washington Street, seven days a week, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. You must have more than an acre of property. In Addison, visit Station #2 on Rochester Road, every day from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.