Ann Arbor fire chief outlines grilling, campfire and portable-fireplace safety
May 22, 2026 | Ann Arbor Public Schools, School Boards, Michigan
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Mike Kennedy, fire chief for the Ann Arbor Fire Department, gave step-by-step safety guidance for grilling and outdoor fire features ahead of summer events.
"For grilling safety, we recommend keeping grills at least 10 feet away from a structure," Kennedy said. He warned against placing hot coals in the trash: "If you have hot holes, never throw them into the trash. That can cause a fire."
On campfires and portable fireplaces, Kennedy said the city permits campfires but advised distances: "You can have campfires in the city of Ann Arbor. They have to be 25 feet from a structure. You are also allowed to have portable fireplaces. Those have to be 15 feet from a structure." He urged that fires be continuously attended and fully extinguished before leaving.
Kennedy pointed listeners to the city web page a2gov.org/fire for fuller guidance and said city staff are available to answer questions.
"For grilling safety, we recommend keeping grills at least 10 feet away from a structure," Kennedy said. He warned against placing hot coals in the trash: "If you have hot holes, never throw them into the trash. That can cause a fire."
On campfires and portable fireplaces, Kennedy said the city permits campfires but advised distances: "You can have campfires in the city of Ann Arbor. They have to be 25 feet from a structure. You are also allowed to have portable fireplaces. Those have to be 15 feet from a structure." He urged that fires be continuously attended and fully extinguished before leaving.
Kennedy pointed listeners to the city web page a2gov.org/fire for fuller guidance and said city staff are available to answer questions.
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