The latest extension of the governor's Stay Home Stay Safe executive order along with warmer spring weather has prompted Westland police and fire officials to remind residents to adhere to the city ordinances restricting open burning.
Officials said that “open burning” is defined as the burning of unwanted materials such as paper, trees, brush, leaves, grass, and other debris where smoke and other emissions are released directly into the air. During open burning, air pollutants do not pass through a chimney or stack and/or combustion of solid waste is not adequately controlled, posing a safety threat.
Officials said it is a serious health problem and that while adhering to the stay at home order, residents looking for ways to stay busy have begun spring cleaning during the warmer weather, leading to open burning of debris and trash.
“As a police department, we understand how difficult this Stay at Home order can be at times. It is natural for us all to begin to feel restless in our routine. This is especially true as the weather becomes warmer. This is a good opportunity to review the City of Westland Open Burn ordinance,” commented Police Chief Jeff Jedrusik.
The Westland City Ordinance prohibits any “open burning” that is not in an enclosed fire pit. The fire pit should be no larger than 3-feet-wide by 3-feet-tall and it must be a minimum of 25 feet away from any structure or property line. The site must also be a minimum of 15 feet from any other combustible materials, Jedrusik said.
Only clean wood can be used as fuel (no creosote, or other chemicals). Leaves and other unwanted combustibles are not allowed to be burned. When conducting an “open burn” in the approved manner, some form of extinguishment must be on hand. Examples would be a fire extinguisher, a garden hose, sand or dirt.
The “open burn” must have constant supervision and must be completely extinguished before leaving the fire pit. If smoke from the fire becomes a nuisance to others, immediate extinguishment is required by the city ordinance.
Air pollution created by open burning can irritate eyes and lungs, obscure visibility, create annoying odors, and pose other potential health risks. Embers that are able to escape the seat of the fire can quickly ignite nearby vegetation and/or neighboring structures, officials said.
“Emergency calls for this behavior will typically increase this time of year, however, it is vitally important that our emergency response resources remain available for true emergencies at this time,” commented Assistant Fire Chief/Fire Marshall Kelly Eggers. “We are asking for the community's diligence pertaining to the ordinance and in assisting our efforts to provide the most efficient and effective service our citizen's deserve.”
Failure to comply with the Westland City Ordinance is a misdemeanor offense and is punishable by up to 90 days in jail and/or a fine up to $500.
