MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - Bonfire pits are a great way to get outdoors and enjoy the fresh autumn air. All anyone needs to make a bonfire pit in their backyard is a shovel, a little bit of hard work, and a permit from the Meridian Township Fire Department.

To request a permit to burn in your backyard, call Meridian's Fire Department Station 91 at (517)-853-4791 and notify them the day you ant to burn. Personnel from the department will then schedule a day to come look at the site. A permit is required for each day you want to make a bonfire, but once approved only a phone call will be required to renew it. Permit's come at no charge to the residents.

A bonfire pit must be at least 12 inches deep, and a recommendation of three feet is required for its entire diameter. The pit must also be 25 feet away from any structure and be on the property of those seeking the permit. The goal of the pit is to keep the fire in and avoid the spread of flames across your yard due to high winds. A grill on the top of the pit is encouraged. although a simple dirt or nonflammable wall to the pit is acceptable.

Once the permit is approved, you can enjoy your new bonfire pit! Remember that while having a bonfire pit is an enjoyable experience, fire can be dangerous if you are not careful. If the flames become unruly or out of control, call 911 immediately. Don't let a happy fall night turn into a dangerous one.