More Washtenaw County fire departments issue open burn bans as heat, dry conditions continue
- Related coverage: Heat advisory issued for Ann Arbor area through Saturday; near-record temps expected
- County health department offers cooling options, tips for the heat
Three additional fire departments in Washtenaw County issued open burn bans Thursday morning because of the scorching temperatures and extremely dry conditions.
It is prohibited to have any open burns in Ann Arbor Township, Northfield Township and the Dexter area as of Tuesday.
A grass fire burns along M-14 Tuesday afternoon. Officials say conditions are extremely dry.
Photo courtesy of Stewart Beal from Facebook
The Ann Arbor Township Fire Department also issued an open burn ban Tuesday morning.
"It's been so hot," said Fire Chief Rick Ericson. "Everything is very combustible."
Jason Hilberer, a firefighter for the Dexter Area Fire Department, said his agency has banned open burns just for Thursday because temperatures were expected to be near 100 degrees.
They will decide whether or not to lift the ban on Wednesday.
"We're taking it day by day," Hilberer said.
Open burn bans also are in effect in Pittsfield Township, Milan and Saline.
Departments that have not issued any type of open burn ban include Superior Township, Chelsea and Scio Township. Any kind of open burning is always illegal in the cities of Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti.
AnnArbor.com is still waiting to hear back from the Manchester Township Fire Department.
Update: According to Vic Chevrette, Fire Marshal for Ypsilanti Township and Fire Chief for Augusta Township, open burn bans are in effect for both of those municipalities, as well.
"With fireworks coming up here, we want people to be cautious," he said. "We've had a couple grass fires today (Thursday) already."
Update: Salem Township also has enacted an open burn ban due to the hot, dry weather, said Ed Rohraff, the township's acting Fire Chief.
John Counts covers cops and courts for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at johncounts@annarbor.com or you can follow him on Twitter.
Comments
pegret
Fri, Jun 29, 2012 : 2:30 p.m.
So this sounds like a great time to close some fire stations in Ann Arbor. Let's start with the one across from City Hall. After all, they do have an $800K+ water sculpture that could double as a giant fire extinguisher.
mixmaster
Fri, Jun 29, 2012 : 1:23 a.m.
Lazy irresponsible Smokers who throw lit cancer sticks from their car windows because they don't want to dirty the ashtray should be found and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. With all the cameras and video out there should be a whistle blowers bounty for evidence leading to conviction.
martini man
Fri, Jun 29, 2012 : 12:04 a.m.
These drought conditions make it a bit risky for all the fireworks that will be shot off over the holiday period. I just hope the fire depts will be on high alert.
jns131
Fri, Jun 29, 2012 : 6:04 p.m.
I was thinking the same thing. Although, we water our front lawn before shooting them off.
MRunner73
Thu, Jun 28, 2012 : 9:50 p.m.
The area, as well as all of Southeast Michigan is now in a modeate drought. The drought is severe is some areas. Prelim check shows about 35% of normal amounts of precip since May 1st. This is more meaningful because of the higher sun angle, better evaporation rates from warmer temps which leads to a higher impact. Streams and rivers are flowing well below normal but if the lack of rain persists, a hydrological drought will also occur. The corn crop across IA, IL, IN and KY is under increasing heat stress and yields will be way down come harvest time. The drought is worse further south of here. Bottom line, we'll be hearing more on the economic impacts of this drought.
treetowncartel
Thu, Jun 28, 2012 : 8:56 p.m.
What is an "open burn"? Does a fire pit constitute an "open burn"?
Laura Jones
Thu, Jun 28, 2012 : 10:14 p.m.
Yes it does. Fire that is not contained completely in a receptacle is open. If sparks and hot ash can escape, its open.
thinker
Thu, Jun 28, 2012 : 7:33 p.m.
If even a tossed cigarette can start a big grass fire/house fire, why are we even contemplating air-born fireworks this next weekend or next week?
jns131
Fri, Jun 29, 2012 : 6:03 p.m.
Didn't that happen in May? Off 23?
Kara H
Thu, Jun 28, 2012 : 5:47 p.m.
I actually worry with the 4th of July coming up and all the fireworks, esp. the ones that leave the ground that have been newly legalized this year in MI. Fingers crossed for some nice soaking rains before the holiday!
jns131
Fri, Jun 29, 2012 : 6:02 p.m.
kara? According to the forecasts, they say that with the dry air? We may not get those rains as promised. We need it but don't expect it any time soon.
Jared Mauch
Thu, Jun 28, 2012 : 6:55 p.m.
I have a general concern, but as someone who always has watered around my fire pit prior to and refreshes it during burning I do find the race to the bottom a problem. It is possible to do these things responsibly. Hudson Mills has watered the grass around the fireworks launch area for many years to prevent a catastrophic fire in a crowded area. Those using this common sense approach will reduce the risk to nearly zero. I am also hoping we get rain soon. While I appreciate the savings in lawncare/mowing, I would like the kids to be able to play outside barefoot. It is not comfortable with the dry grass and hard ground.