Outdoor burning rules in Wayne 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.
Michigan EGLE Part 55 and MCL 324.11522 regulate open burning. Wayne County cities ban burning of trash and yard waste. Recreational fires with clean wood are allowed with city permits or restrictions.
Open burning in Wayne County is regulated by Michigan EGLE under Air Pollution Control Rules Part 55 and by local fire departments. Burning of household trash, construction debris, tires, treated wood, and plastics is prohibited statewide under MCL 324.11522 with fines up to 5,000 dollars for repeat violations. Wayne County cities including Detroit, Dearborn, Livonia, and Westland ban all open burning of yard waste within city limits due to urban air quality concerns. Recreational fires using clean seasoned firewood in approved fire pits or portable devices are generally allowed but must be at least 15 feet from structures and attended at all times. Many Wayne County cities require no permit for residential recreational fires under 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet tall. Unincorporated townships may issue burn permits for brush piles through the Michigan DNR Burn Permit system, typically suspended during dry summer conditions and red flag warnings.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
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