Fire Menu

Bonfire:

Definition: An outdoor fire used for ceremonial purposes.

Interpretation: A large fire associated with some kind of planned event, for example, a school pep rally.

• Must be issued a permit and adhere to strict fire safety guidelines.
• Shall not be less than 50 feet from any structure, and provisions shall be made to keep the fire from spreading to within 50 feet of a structure.
• Bonfires shall be less than five feet by five feet in dimension and shall not burn no longer than three hours.
• Fuel for bonfires shall consist only of seasoned dry firewood and ignited by a small amount of paper.
• All permits shall be requested by and issued to the owner of the land upon which the bonfire is to be kindled.
• A commercial sized fire extinguisher shall be available at all times to the responsible party.
• Is prohibited when offensive or objectionable because of smoke or odor emissions, or when atmospheric conditions or local circumstances make such fires hazardous. The fire department is authorized to order the extinguishment of open burning that creates or adds to a hazardous or objectionable situation.
  

Open Burning:

Definition: The burning of materials wherein products of combustion are emitted directly into the ambient air without passing through a stack or chimney. Open burning does not include road flares, smudgepots and similar devices associated with safety or occupational uses.

Interpretation: Open burning is any burning that takes place in an unenclosed space. Examples include burning of leaves, grass clippings, and beach debris.

• Must be issued a permit and adhere to strict fire safety guidelines.
• Shall not be less than 50 feet from any structure, and provisions shall be made to keep the fire from spreading to within 50 feet of a structure.
• Is prohibited when offensive or objectionable because of smoke or odor emissions, or when atmospheric conditions or local circumstances make such fires hazardous. The fire department is authorized to order the extinguishment of open burning that creates or adds to a hazardous or objectionable situation.
  

Recreational Fire:

Definition: An outdoor fire burning materials other than rubbish, where the fuel being burned is not contained in an incinerator, outdoor fireplace, barbecue grill or barbecue pit, and has a total fuel area of 3 feet or less in diameter and 2 feet or less in height for pleasure, religious, ceremonial, cooking, warmth or similar purposes.

Interpretation: This is a campfire or other small fire for the activities listed.

• Shall not be less than 25 feet from any structure or combustible material; (for example, fencing material). Conditions which could cause a fire to spread within 25 feet of a structure shall be eliminated prior to ignition.
  

Fires in Commercially Manufactured Controlled Burning Devices:
-An outdoor fireplace-

These devices are approved, portable, outdoor, solid-fuel burning patio fireplaces designed to provide ambiance and warmth in outdoor settings.

• An approved container is UL listed.
• Shall not be located less than 15 feet from a structure.
• Fires shall be conducted per manufacturers recommendations, including:
• Placement of a protective hood or screen during times of combustion.
• No use of a flammable liquid to start the fire.
• Only seasoned wood shall be used; no yard waste.
• The fire shall be attended at all times during combustion.
• A means to extinguish the fire shall be readily available.
• Is prohibited when offensive or objectionable because of smoke or odor emissions, or when atmospheric conditions or local circumstances make such fires hazardous. The fire department is authorized to order the extinguishment of burning that creates or adds to a hazardous or objectionable situation.