Burning Ban in Hartland and Deerfield Townships!

Reasons for Open Burning Bans in Spring

We know what you are thinking.  What the heck?  Open burning ban?  It’s spring.  It’s wet.  It just rained yesterday! It’s nice outside.  What could possibly go wrong?  We in the fire service have heard it all.  This quick note is to explain the dangers of burning during the early spring.

Yes, it has been a winter for the record books.  It all seemed to start just two days before Christmas.  We received an ice storm followed by snow….Then more snow…Then more snow….  It just never seemed to stop.  Now, 99% of the snow is gone, and we want to clean up our yard.  We are tired of being inside, and we want go get that mess cleaned up.  Just don’t let that mess cost you your home, or your neighbor’s property!  This time of year is extremely dry.  It is more dangerous than fall time believe it or not!  It may seem wet outside, but it is extremely dry!  Here is why:

Right now, the ground is still frozen.  The rain we receive does not get a chance to be absorbed by the grass.  The grass and other vegetation is still frozen at the root, and it is still in a dormant stage.  The rain just sits on the top.  Some of it helps thaw the ground, but it can only do so much.  It can rain for two days straight and the vegetation will still be brown.  It won’t green up until the ground thaws, and the vegetation comes back to life and starts to green up.  Combine high winds, low humidity in the air, and dry brown vegetation, and you have a recipe for a nice BIG fire.  Sure, it started out small, but it can get out of hand in a hurry!

So, Hartland and Deerfield Townships are under a burning ban right now.  When will it end?  I can’t answer that right now….We need the vegetation to green up, and then it will be business as usual.  When I lift the ban, it will be posted on all of our social media sites, voicemail, as well as radio and newspaper.  For the most up to date information, call 810-632-7676 to check on burning conditions.   You must always call 810-632-7676 to check on burning conditions before you burn each time!

Remember, if you choose to burn, you are responsible for your fire and any and all damages it may cause.  While under burning bans, you will be responsible for any charges should the fire department be called to a fire that you started.  Even if you have it “Under Control”!

You can get more information from our website at http://www.hartlandareafire.com/ 

Yours In Fire Safety,

Michael R. Bernardin

Fire Marshal