Backyard and recreational fires in Macomb County are governed by township and city ordinances plus Michigan EGLE air-quality rules — not by the county. Small contained cooking or recreational fires are commonly allowed, but open burning is frequently prohibited in platted subdivisions and condominium developments. Confirm rules with your local
Macomb County operates no municipal fire departments and sets no countywide backyard-fire rule; townships and cities do. In the southern Lower Peninsula the Michigan DNR does not issue burn permits, so the DNR and EGLE direct residents to their local fire department. Ordinances distinguish recreational and cooking fires from open burning of debris. Macomb Township, for example, requires no permit to burn in enclosed devices or for charcoal and gas barbecues, but requires a fire-chief permit for other open burning and prohibits open burning in platted subdivisions, condominiums, apartments, and mobile-home parks. Where allowed, recreational fires should be small, contained in an approved pit, attended at all times, kept clear of structures and property lines, and never fueled with trash,
Local fire departments enforce backyard-fire rules and may order any fire extinguished. Burning in a prohibited location or without a required permit can bring municipal civil-infraction citations and fines; burning prohibited materials can also trigger EGLE air-quality enforcement.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
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