Burning/Bonfire Permits

Neighbors who live inside Battle Creek city limits are allowed to have recreational fires and bonfires, based on our regulations (summarized here and in Chapter 1610 of city ordinances). Any other open burning is not allowed. 

• Recreational fires do not require a permit. A recreational fire can be up to two feet high and three feet in diameter. It must be at least 15 feet from a building or anything that could catch fire. Do not burn construction materials, paper, household waste, leaves, or grass clippings.

There is no burning of leaves and grass clippings in Battle Creek city limits.

• Bonfires are larger recreational fires and must have a permit for the specific day you plan to burn. Get one at the City Clerk’s Office at City Hall, 10 N. Division St., from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays, at a cost of $25. The fee is payable in person only, by cash, check, or credit card. Please note that there is an added fee for credit card payment.
• Bonfires can be up to three feet high and eight feet in diameter. They must be 50 feet from a building, anything that could catch fire, and public rights of way. You cannot burn rubber, plastic, garbage, petroleum products, or painted materials.

Some other notes about burning in the City of Battle Creek:

• Neighbors can use portable outdoor fireplaces and fire pits. They must be at least 15 feet from a building and anything that could catch fire.
• Neighbors can use outdoor grills. They are not allowed on balconies and must be at least 10 feet from any construction that could catch fire, decorations, and furniture.
• You must stay near a fire while it burns. Have a fire extinguisher or water source nearby.
• Neighbors must extinguish any burning if requested by the Battle Creek Fire Department, even if they have a valid bonfire permit. Failure to do so may result in fines.

Please contact the Battle Creek Fire Department with questions about burning at 269-966-3519, and the City Clerk’s Office with questions about bonfire permits at 269-966-3311.

Please Note:  Those in the City of Battle Creek limits can bag leaves in paper bags (no plastic) and place them at the curb for pickup by Republic Services on your regular pickup day, from late March until late November. You can also haul them to Brice Pit, the city’s compost site (715 W. River Road). Regular hours are 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. If you mow your leaves, please do not mow them into the street or into storm drain inlets.