Kalamazoo Allows Residents To Fire-up The Backyard Pits

Kalamazoo, lets get the s'mores cooking in our backyards

Recreational outdoor fires are now legal in Kalamazoo. The Kalamazoo Commissioners passed the proposed changes in a 5-0 vote. So what does that mean for you? According to Mlive ...

 The rules require a permit for recreational burning at multi-unit dwellings with two households or more, and at any residential lots without 15 feet of spacing between the fire and other combustibles, among other changes.

The rules allow recreational fires at single- and two-family dwellings without a permit if the fire meets nine specific conditions:

1.  The device shall have a screen cover that aids in the protection to contain burning particulate from escaping into the atmosphere.
2.  The device shall be 15 feet from any structure or combustibles.
3.  A person shall have a garden hose connected to a reliable water source readily available for use.
4.  The size of the fire shall be no larger than 3’x3’x3’.
5. Firewood being burned shall not have a diameter larger than 3 inches in diameter.
6. Burning shall not create a foul or offensive odor or cause smoke emissions that are reasonably offensive to occupants of surrounding property.
7.  The burning of garbage, leaves, or other waste material is prohibited.
8.  Any fire shall be extinguished at the direction of a Public Safety Officer if the fire is determined to constitute a hazardous condition, to create a foul or offensive odor, or to cause smoke emissions that are reasonably offensive to occupants of surrounding property.
9.  The fire shall be constantly attended by a competent person until such fire is extinguished.

The really nice news is that the permits will be free, but, will require a KDPS officer to visit the property and approve plans for the fire location annually. I think the fall air will smell amazing!