The City of Flint is reminding residents that the outdoor burning of brush of any kind is prohibited without a permit. Burning brush within the city presents a safety hazard to the neighborhood according to a news release. When called, firefighters will respond to illegal brush fires and extinguish them.

According to the City, the Flint Fire Department has responded to 16 illegal brush fires in the last week alone. Fire Chief David Cox, Jr. says he just wants residents to be safe. "We just want the residents to understand the inherent danger in burning brush inside the city. Brush fires can get out of control and quickly turn into garage, car or house fires."

As an alternative to burning, residents are asked to bundle sticks and branches less than four inches in width and less than four feet long for curbside pickup on their normal garbage day. Any tree limbs or debris in the right of way between the sidewalk and the street will be removed by the city. Residents will also be able to take part in the Unlimited Brush/Lawn Debris week of May 19-23 as part of the Love Your City campaign.

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