MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - If you are looking to burn material this year or just have an occasional laid back bonfire, the Meridian Township Fire Department wants everyone to know and follow the proper procedures.

In fact, there are two separate types of burns a resident has the ability to make. One is a regular barbeque fire. Requirements have been put it in place such as digging a hole one feet below the ground and having the fire one feet above the ground. This is to prevent wind from coming by the fire and spreading it on to the ground.

The other type of fire is considered a maintenance fire. This you can do by getting a one day permit from the Meridian Township Fire Department to basically clean up your yard. Only those living in a Rural Residential Zone are allowed to have these types of fires.

Either way, Fire Inspector Mark Hornberger has some tips to keep a person safe while dealing with fire, "depending on how large the fire is don't get too close to it, keep children away, but a lot of it just simple common sense."

You can receive a burning permit from by calling (517) 349-1742.