Burn permits and open burning rules

Last checked: Oct 27, 2026. Every fact links to its official source. Rules change, so check the source before you go.

In southern Michigan, burn permits come from your local fire department or township, not the DNR. Find your community below.

Michigan (state rules)

In the southern Lower Peninsula, the DNR does not issue burn permits. Permits come from your local fire department or local government. DNR burn line: 866-922-2876. Source
If no local ordinance applies, state law allows burning grass and leaves in communities under 7,500 people, but not within 1,400 feet of an incorporated city or village limit. Source

City of Kalamazoo

Burning garbage, leaves or other waste is prohibited. Recreational fires need a free permit unless you use an approved, screened outdoor device at a single- or two-family home, 15 feet from structures, with a hose ready. Questions: (269) 337-8123. Source
Recreational fires are not allowed on ozone action days, DNR high fire risk days, or during a state or city burn ban. Source

City of Portage

Burning leaves is not permitted at any time. Source

Kalamazoo Township

Burning leaves is prohibited under the Outdoor Burning Ordinance (Ord. 597). Source

Oshtemo Township

Open burning of brush, grass clippings and leaves is allowed with a permit from the fire department. Apply online (Community Connect) or call Station 1 at 269-375-0487, Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Source
Burn only between sunrise and sunset, with wind no more than 10 mph, at least 50 feet from structures (25 feet for piles 3 feet or less wide and 2 feet or less high). Keep a hose, shovel and bucket or a 4-A extinguisher nearby. No paper, lumber or building materials. Source

Texas Township

Recreational fires and burning brush, leaves and grass clippings are allowed in most areas, but some areas are no-burn (see the township's No Burn Area Map). Get a permit online through Community Connect or call 269-375-4610. Source

Richland Township

Residents with at least 2 acres can apply online for a burn permit. Permits last no more than four consecutive days, and fires must be attended with water on hand. Source

Cooper Township

Burn permits are no longer required. On 1 acre or more, with no state burn ban, you may burn following the township's rules (attend the fire, water nearby, 50 feet from structures). Under 1 acre, burning barrel only. No garbage, wet leaves, plastics or building materials. Source

Brady Township

Burn permits are free from the Brady Township Hall. Call 269-649-1813. Permits are valid for 7 days. Source

Wakeshma Township

Burn permits are handled by the Climax Fire Department: 269-746-4664. Source

Schoolcraft Township

Unverified, call to confirm The township site links to a burn permit application run by the South Kalamazoo County Fire Authority. We could not load that application page to confirm its details. Source

Not listed?

We only list rules we could confirm on an official page. If your township is not here, call your township office or fire department before you burn.

Common questions

Do I need a burn permit in Michigan?

In the southern Lower Peninsula, the DNR does not issue burn permits. Your local fire department or local government sets the rules, so check with them first.

Can I burn leaves in Kalamazoo?

No. Burning leaves is prohibited in the City of Kalamazoo, the City of Portage and Kalamazoo Township. Some townships, such as Oshtemo and Texas, allow it with a permit.

How do I get a burn permit in Oshtemo or Texas Township?

Both use the Community Connect online system. Oshtemo: call Station 1 at 269-375-0487. Texas Township: call 269-375-4610.