MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - Kicking back after a long day around a camp fire is a welcomed sign of the summer season and now the Meridian Township Fire Department is now offering a more easy and convenient way for residents to enjoy their fire pits. Registration for, or renewing a fire pit permit, can now be done 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. Please call Fire Station #1 at 853-4791 to arrange the on-site inspection.

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.

"Having your pit inspected ensures it is not too close to other buildings; it is not too large to create a hard-to-control fire; and it is of the correct design to ensure efficient burning. Without an efficiently burning fire, you will produce a greater amount of smoke, creating a nuisance to neighbors around you. Having your barbecue pit inspected ensures everyone has fun and stays fire safe throughout the summer barbecue season," commented Meridian Township Fire Inspector Tavis Millerov.

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. All previously approved barbecue pit permits will expire on March 31, 2011, regardless of their date of issue.