Fire pit rules in Flint, MI — also called outdoor burning, recreational fire, or open flame ordinances — cover fuel types, clearances, and when burning is allowed.
Flint regulates recreational fires through its adoption of the Michigan International Fire Code (MIFC) under the Stille-DeRossett-Hale Single State Construction Code Act (PA 230 of 1972). Recreational fires must use a fire pit or approved container, burn only clean wood, be attended at all times, and not create a nuisance or excessive smoke for neighboring properties.
Michigan is a state-construction-code state under PA 230 of 1972 (the Stille-DeRossett-Hale Act, MCL 125.1501 et seq.), which means Flint enforces the Michigan adoption of the International Fire Code (MIFC) rather than a fully home-grown fire code. IFC Section 307 governs open burning, recreational fires, and portable outdoor fireplaces. A recreational fire is defined as an outdoor fire burning materials other than rubbish where the fuel area is 3 feet or less in diameter and 2 feet or less in height for pleasure, religious, ceremonial, cooking, warmth or similar purposes. Recreational fires must be at least 25 feet from any structure or combustible material; portable outdoor fireplaces must be at least 15 feet. Only clean, seasoned wood may be burned; trash, leaves, treated lumber, and construction debris are prohibited. Fires must be constantly attended by a responsible adult with a garden hose, fire extinguisher, or other extinguishing means readily available until fully extinguished. The Flint Fire Department Fire Marshal may order any fire creating a hazard or nuisance to be put out immediately.
Failure to comply with IFC Section 307 as adopted in Michigan, including burning prohibited materials, leaving fires unattended, violating setback distances, or creating a smoke nuisance, exposes the property owner to fire-code citations from the Flint Fire Department. Officers may order immediate extinguishment, issue municipal civil-infraction tickets, and recover suppression costs if the fire department must respond.
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