Several Lapeer County townships and cities have declared burn bans until further notice, joining Tuscola County in the preventative measures as temperatures soar this weekend.
Due to the extremely dry conditions in the Tuscola County area, as well as the current forecast with high temperatures and little to no rain, the association issued the ban Wednesday, May 31. On Thursday, June 1, Attica Township, Burlington Township, the village of Clifford, Imlay City and the city of Lapeer followed suit, each announcing their bans via social media.
While no burn permits will be issued until there is substantial rainfall, small campfires and charcoal or propane grilling are still permitted as long as they are attended and completely extinguished when done. No other outdoor burning is permitted.
Fire authorities in Lapeer County had already taken to social media when Tuscola County declared their burn ban Wednesday to remind the Thumb community of several measures to prevent campfires from getting out of hand. Authorities say that, before and while burning anything outside, one should have a garden hose available, wet down the area around the burn pile, and call 911 immediately if the fire spreads beyond the pile.
Authorities urge you to not attempt to extinguish the fire before calling 911, as calling 911 early can be the difference between a small grass fire or an unconfined woodland fire.
