The Romeo Observer - Romeo, Michigan: Northern Macomb County's weekly newspaper since 1866

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CURTIS OSTRANDER	DUAINE HARDING
ELEANOR TODD	ELMER "BUD" HAHN
GERVASE KILEY	MARIAN SUTTON
ORLO KIRKUM	SLAVA KOKOTOVICH
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Washington FD to crack down
on burning ordinance violators

by Cheryl Ciske
Observer Special Writer

      Before residents light a match, they should be aware of the rules regarding open burning.
       Washington Township's ordinances have designated April 17-May 7, each year, for residents to openly burn unwanted materials such as paper, trees, brush, leaves, grass and other debris.
       According to Brian Tyrell, Washington fire marshall, however, burning such items as roofing materials, painted or treated lumber, demolished structures, garbage, plastic products or tires is prohibited under the ordinance.
       "It is a problem," said Tyrell. "We receive a lot of complaints."
       A burning permit is required and can be obtained by visiting the township's Web site at www.washingtontownship.org or by contacting the Washington Township Fire Department.
       "Burning leaves outside of the designated burning season also is not allowed," said Tyrell. "You are open burning any time you light an outdoor fire without a chimney or stack."
       According to Tyrell, fire officials will be cracking down on ordinance violators. Persons caught violating the ordinance on open burning could face fines in excess of $2,000.
       "Last year, we sought cost recovery on two persons in the township who violated the ordinance," said Tyrell. "We hope we don't have to take it that far; but we're prepared to because answering complaints where there is illegal burning activity can limit fire department resources of vehicle and manpower that could delay our responding to a real emergency."