Burning Permit

Texas Township Fire Department: Burn Permits

Recreational fires, as well as open burning of brush, leaves, and grass clippings, is allowed in most areas of Texas Township. Please reference the No Burn Area Map (PDF) for areas where burning is prohibited. Prior to starting a fire, a burn permit must be obtained through the Fire Department. If burning will span multiple days, a burn permit must be obtained each day. 

Applying for a Burn Permit

  1. Apply online
  2. Apply in-person or by calling the Fire Department at 269-375-4610.

You are responsible for any costs associated with damage, negligence or extinguishment due to a fire that has gotten out of control, or that must be extinguished due to violations of this ordinance.

Texas Township Open Burning Basic Rules

Ordinance 206 specifies regulations for burning. Violations of the burning ordinance may result in loss of burning privileges, fines, and/or a civil infraction. 

  1. Open burning, to the extent allowed, shall be conducted in accordance with the requirements of this Ordinance. Open burning shall also be conducted as required by other governmental agencies regulating emissions.
  2. The open burning of wood or brush (under 4-inch in diameter), vegetation, grass clippings or leaves, is permitted within Texas Charter Township. Paper products must be burned in a container with a lid that has openings no larger than 1/2 inch in diameter. The container must be masonry or metal not exceeding 55 gallons in size.
  3. Open burning of materials containing plastic products, any building material, lumber or lumber products is prohibited. Burning of structures for the purpose of demolition, burning of demolition materials or scrap building materials is also prohibited.
  4. Prior to commencement of open burning, the applicant shall obtain a burning permit from the Fire Department.
  5. Open burning shall not be conducted within 30 feet of any structure or other combustible material, 10 feet from any roadway and 25 feet within your property line. Conditions that would cause the fire to spread to within 30 feet of a structure shall be eliminated prior to ignition. Under no circumstances shall the burning of any materials be conducted on the paved or improved surface of any public or private street or roadway.
  6. A bucket, shovel, garden hose or a fire extinguisher shall be readily available at open burning sites.
  7. Persons requesting the permit must be the property owner or in legal control of the property. Burning materials shall be constantly attended by a person knowledgeable in the use of the fire extinguishing equipment and familiar with permit limitations, which restrict open burning. The attendant shall supervise the burning material until the fire has been extinguished.
  8. The Fire Chief or his/her designee is authorized to require that open burning be immediately discontinued if the Fire Chief or his/her designee determines that smoke emissions are offensive to occupants of surrounding property or if the open burning is determined by the Fire Chief or his/her designee to constitute a hazardous condition.

Agricultural Disposal Fires

Fires for disposal of agricultural waste (burning off of fields, orchard cuttings, etc.) are permitted during favorable weather conditions within these additional guidelines:

  • Agricultural burns shall be at least 100 feet from any structure, 30 feet from adjoining property line, and 100 feet of a public roadway. 
  • Conditions that may cause the fire to spread to within 50 feet of a structure shall be eliminated prior to ignition.