FAQ

Q: Can I have a campfire?

A: Yes, recreational and cooking fires are not considered open burning and are permitted. The responsible party should still maintain supervision of the fire and take precautions to prevent fire spread.

Q: What can I burn?

A: Open burning guidelines are summarized as follows...

• You may burn Leaves, grass, limbs, brush, stumps and evergreen needles (eg., brush).

• Household paper materials must be burned in a covered metal or masonry container with openings no larger than ¾ inches.

• Never burn demolition debris, construction materials, automotive parts, or household trash that contains plastic, rubber, foam, chemically treated wood, textiles, electronics, chemicals or hazardous materials. 

• For additional information, please refer to the Michigan DNR Permission to Burn or call 866-922-BURN (866-922-2876).

Q: Is there a burn ban in place?

A: Burn permission in our service area is subject to Michigan Department of Natural Resources restrictions. Please refer to the following link for burn permit status (updated daily): Leelanau Burn Permit Master Page.

Q: Should I call the fire department before burning or if I have any questions?
A: Yes. Please call (231) 228-5396 to inform us if you are planning to burn in our service area (you may leave a message if there is no answer). Please provide the following information (1) Name; (2) phone number; (3) address where burn is occurring; (4) type of material being burned; and (5) approximate square footage of material being burned. It is NOT necessary to call the station to report a planned recreational or cooking fire.

Q: Do I need to be present while burning?

A: Yes. The burn must be supervised at all times to prevent spread of the fire outside of the intended area.

Q: Do I need a permit for a prescribed burn?

A: Yes. If you are conducting a prescribed burn or burning to clear land for construction or road maintenance, you must obtain a burn permit from a local DNR Fire Manager.

Q:  Should I post address numbers along the roadway?

A: Yes! Posting your address along the roadway makes you safer. Road numerals posted in front of your residence near property access (e.g. driveway) are strongly recommended. Clearly visible road numbers assist us with quickly and efficiently locating your property in the event of an emergency response. Address numerals should be clearly marked and posted 4-5 feet above the ground so that they remain clearly visible at all times of the year.

Q: What sort of address numbers should I post?

A: We recommend that you post an Emergency Address Signs with your address numerals on your property along the roadway. Green, reflective Emergency Address Signs are the standard in our area and are more visible during the day and night.

Q: Where can I acquire an Emergency Address Sign?

A: Unfortunately, Cedar Area Fire & Rescue is unable to provide emergency address signs. These can be purchased online, at most hardware stores, or at Cedar Hardware located next door to our station in downtown Cedar, MI.

Q: Will the fire department help me install my emergency address sign?

A: Yes. If you need assistance installing your emergency address sign, Cedar Area Fire & Rescue can help. Please contact us at (231) 228-5396 to arrange for assistance.