Bedford Township,
Monroe County, Michigan                                       

BURNING REGULATIONS
Bedford Township
 Revised 11-04-2011

1. All fires must be attended at all times. 

2. The burning of leaves and brush is only permitted on Fridays between the hours of 2:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. and on Saturdays and Sundays between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., during the months of April, May, October, and November.  Burning shall not be less than 25 feet from any structure, (15 ft from any lot line or paved surface) and the pile size cannot exceed 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet in height.  No Bedford Township burning permit is required, however, all burning will be monitored and subject to fines and fire department expenses, ordnance, or other related administrative fees). 

3. The burning of yard waste (grass, brush, leaves, plant materials, etc.) in open fires are prohibited in the months of June, July, August, September, December, January, February, and March. Permits during special circumstances may be issued. 

4. Campfires shall be no larger than 3 feet in diameter and not exceed 3 feet in height. Campfires must be placed in a pit, grill, be trenched, enclosed or contained, and shall be attended at all times. Campfires shall not be less than 25 feet from any structure or lot line.  Campfires are permitted from 3:00 p.m. to 12:00 midnight without a Bedford Township permit. Campfire burnings require clean materials only. Grass clippings or leaves cannot be burned.  Campfires shall be for RECREATIONAL  PURPOSES ONLY. 

5. Bonfires shall be no larger than eight (8) feet in diameter and not exceed eight (8) feet in height. Bonfires can burn from 6:00 p.m. to 12:00 midnight and shall be attended at all times, but are prohibited in Bedford Township platted subdivisions unless approved by the Fire Chief. A BONFIRE PERMIT must be obtained from the Fire Chief or Township Clerk's Department. Bonfires must be trenched or contained in some safe fashion. Bonfires shall be in open areas where sparks and embers would be unlikely to endanger structures.  Bonfire burnings require clean materials only. Grass clippings or leaves cannot be burned.  Bonfires shall be for RECREATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY.  Bonfire permits will be issued to the property owner or a representative (over the age of 18) with written permission from the property owner. Bonfires shall not be less than 50 feet from any structure and 15ft from any paved surface or lot line.  All bonfires shall be inspected by Bedford Township Ordinance Officers prior to the permit being issued. 

6. Burning in an approved burning barrel with a mesh cover can take place without a permit for domestic purposes (newspaper, papers, cardboard).  Burning barrels shall not be located less than 25 feet from any structure and 15ft from any paved surface or lot line. 

7. The Township will enforce any total burning ban instituted by the Governor or Fire Chief for hazardous environmental conditions during dry weather.  It shall be the owner’s responsibility to be aware of any changes in the burning regulations and/or any bans on burning imposed by the Bedford Fire Department.  

8. The burning of garbage, wet leaves, hazardous material, or material causing toxic fumes is strictly prohibited at all times within Bedford Township. 

NOTE: The burning of any fire shall be the responsibility of the property owner. Any person in violation any of the terms and provisions of this ordinance shall be assessed the cost of extinguishing the blaze and shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and subject to a fine of not more than $750 or imprisonment for a period of 90 days or both in the discretion of the court. In the event of continuing offenses under the terms of this ordinance and maybe so charged in the discretion of the Township of Bedford.  Persons that allow any fire to get out of control, or burn past the permitted burning hours, will be fined/charged as permitted in Ordinance 68A-1. In addition, the property owner or approved designee is subject to charges for use of any and all Fire Department equipment needed to contain or respond to the fire.  Equipment will be charged at an established rate as specified in the Bedford Township General Code and Zoning Ordinances. Burning permits may be revoked or denied for any previous violations of the above-stated Burning Regulations.

Fees

Permits $25.00

1^st offense $75.00

2^nd offense $225.00

3^rd offense $775.00 or 90 days in jail