MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - Okemos High School held their Homecoming Bonfire on Tuesday, Sept. 29, celebrating the new school year.

While many gathered to celebrate around the bonfire, the Meridian Township Fire Department was on hand to help set up, monitor, and extinguish the fire.

Meridian Fire Captain Bill Richardson, reminds residents of some safety tips and burning rules.

Meridian offers two different types of burning permits; Rural Residential Open Burning Permits and BBQ Pit Permits. The Rural Residential Open Burning Permit is for residents who have an acre or more of land in rural residential area. BBQ Pit Permit is for recreational purposes, which is more common. For all types of burning, the Meridian Fire Department must approve it beforehand.

"For recreational purposes, you can burn seasoned hardwoods that are secure, does not emit smoke, and that are not for disposal purposes, so you cannot burn anything other than natural vegetation that does not emit smoke," said Richardson.

He also said that the fires should always be maintained by an adult with a burning permit. The fire should also be put out before midnight. He also said to call 911 if the fire gets out of control.