Outdoor Burning: Dearborn vs Detroit
How do outdoor burning rules compare between Dearborn, MI and Detroit, MI?
Dearborn and Detroit have similar restriction levels.
Dearborn, MI
Wayne County
Open burning is generally prohibited in Dearborn under EGLE Part 55 air pollution rules and city ordinance, with narrow exceptions for small recreational fires and approved ceremonial fires.
View full Dearborn rules →Detroit, MI
Wayne County
Open burning of yard waste, leaves, and refuse is prohibited in Detroit. Michigan's Part 115 solid-waste law bans open burning of yard waste in every municipality over 7,500 population, and Detroit's Fire Prevention and Protection Code (Chapter 19, Division 5) reinforces the ban. Only contained recreational campfires burning clean wood for cooking or recreation are allowed; open piles, leaf burning, and burning of construction debris are not.
View full Detroit rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Dearborn | Detroit |
|---|---|---|
| State rule | EGLE Part 55 air pollution rules | - |
| Leaf burning | Prohibited | - |
| Trash burning | Prohibited | - |
| Recreational fires | Allowed with limits | - |
| Permit authority | Fire Marshal | - |
| City Code | - | Ch. 19 Div. 5 - Open Burning |
| State Law | - | Michigan NREPA Part 115 (yard waste) |
| Yard Waste Burning | - | Prohibited (city over 7,500 pop.) |
| Allowed | - | Campfires - clean wood, in fire pit |
| Prohibited Fuels | - | Trash, leaves, treated wood, plastics |
| Enforcement | - | Detroit Fire Marshal + EGLE |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Dearborn FAQ
Can I burn my fall leaves in Dearborn?
No. Leaf burning is prohibited. Use the city curbside yard waste collection program instead.
Is a small cooking fire allowed?
Yes. Cooking fires in approved grills or fire appliances are allowed when attended and kept away from structures.
Detroit FAQ
Can I burn leaves or yard waste in Detroit?
No. Michigan's solid-waste law (NREPA Part 115) bans open burning of yard waste in every city over 7,500 population, and Detroit is far above that threshold. Detroit residents must bag yard waste for curbside collection or compost on-site.
What open fires are allowed in Detroit?
Only contained campfires in a fire pit for recreation or cooking, burning clean wood, are recognized under Chapter 19 Division 5 of the Detroit City Code. Charcoal and propane grills used solely for cooking are not regulated as open burning.
What is the penalty for illegal open burning in Detroit?
The Detroit Fire Marshal can issue citations and bill suppression costs. EGLE's Air Quality Division can add civil fines for state-law violations. Burning that escapes and damages another property can also create civil liability for fire damage.
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