Kent County, MI Fire Regulations: Outdoor Burning (2026)
Outdoor burning rules in Kent County, MI, also called the burn ban, open burning, or fire restriction ordinance, set when you can burn yard waste, debris, or run a recreational fire.
Key Facts
- State prohibition
- MCL 324.11539: no trash burning
- Permit source (Kent Co.)
- Local fire dept / township
- DNR permits
- Not issued in southern LP
- City of Grand Rapids
- No open yard-waste burning
- Banned materials
- Plastic, rubber, foam, electronics
Summary
Michigan law bans open burning of household waste containing plastic, rubber, foam, treated wood, textiles, electronics, or chemicals statewide. Kent County is in the southern Lower Peninsula, so burn permits come from your local fire department or township, not the DNR.
A person shall not conduct open burning of household waste that contains plastic, rubber, foam, chemically treated wood, textiles, electronics, chemicals, or hazardous materials.
Full Breakdown
Open burning in Kent County is governed by state law plus township ordinance. The Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act (NREPA), MCL 324.11539, prohibits open burning of household waste containing plastic, rubber, foam, chemically treated wood, textiles, electronics, chemicals, or hazardous materials: anywhere in the state. Because Kent County lies in the southern Lower Peninsula, the Michigan DNR does not issue burn permits here; residents must obtain any permit from their local fire department or township. Many townships allow burning clean yard debris only, and cities like Grand Rapids prohibit open yard-waste burning entirely.
Violations & Fines
Open burning of prohibited household waste is a state civil infraction: warning for a first offense within 3 years, up to $75 for a second, and up to $150 for a third. Local ordinances add their own fines.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I burn my leaves in Kent County?
Does the DNR issue my burn permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Kent County
How Kent County compares: Cities with the Strictest Outdoor Burning Rules·Compare Kent County to another location·View the Michigan fire regulations overview
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