Niles Township firefighters responding to a report of a structure fire at Franklin Woods trailer park in Niles instead discovered an illegal burn Tuesday morning. Leader photo/CRAIG HAUPERT

Firefighters from Niles Charter Township responded to a report of a possible structure fire Tuesday morning at Franklin Woods trailer park in Niles.

A neighbor reported seeing flames and black smoke in the area of 1950 S. 13th St. around 8:25 a.m. Firefighters arrived to find a community brush pile on fire containing items that aren’t allowed to be burned, according to the township’s burning ordinance.

Fire Chief Gary Brovold said a mattress, box spring, furniture, vinyl flooring and shingles were among the items being burned illegally.

The manager of Franklin Woods had obtained a permit to burn Tuesday, but didn’t check to see what was being burned, Brovold said.

The fire was extinguished with no damage to surrounding structures. Brovold called it an illegal controlled burn.

Franklin Woods was issued a notice of violation and the manager indicated to Brovold they would no longer be offering a community burn pile.

Brovold said the incident would not result in a fine.

“We are giving them a little leeway especially with them telling us they aren’t going to burn anymore,” he said.

According to township ordinance, open burns are only allowed with a permit issued through the township fire department. Residents are only allowed to burn paper, cardboard, dry leaves, brush and clean untreated lumber.

A copy of the full ordinance can be obtained by contacting the fire department at (269) 683-3311.