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Ann Arbor fire chief outlines grilling, campfire and portable-fireplace safety

FYI (CTN Ann Arbor) · May 22, 2026

Summary

Fire Chief Mike Kennedy urged residents to keep grills 10 feet from structures, campfires 25 feet away, and portable fireplaces 15 feet away, and to never dispose of hot coals in the trash; he directed listeners to the city's fire-safety webpages for more guidance.

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.

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