MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - The Meridian Township Fire Department is now offering a more easy and convenient way for residents to register for or renew a fire pit permit, by being able to do it online.

Upon registration, the Fire Department will then come out to the property to do an on-site inspection. Both the registration and inspection process are free of charge.

All burning activities done in Meridian Township require a burning permit. If homeowners fail to obtain a permit, however, they will be subject to a violation and could also be given a civil infraction, which could result in a $500 fine or up to 90 days in jail.

Above ground fire pits that can be purchased in stores such as Target, Walmart, Home Depot, etc., do not require a permit as long as they are not being used on a combustible surface.

The purpose of obtaining these permits is so the Fire Department is able to monitor and make sure all burning uses are under control and up to the standards of the township’s requirements.

If you have recently moved the location of the pit on your property, you still need to register for or renew the permit obtained for such.

All fire pit permits that are issued now, are valid until April 30 of 2015. It is important to know that these permits need to be renewed on an annual basis.

If you have any questions regarding this, you can contact Fire Station 92 at (517) 853-4791.