(A) Generally. From and after the effective date of this section, except as herein otherwise provided, open burning shall be prohibited within the City of Amboy.
(B) Definitions. For the purpose of this section, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
CAMPFIRES. A fire set for cooking, warming, recreational, or ceremonial purposes, which is not more than 3 feet in diameter by 3 feet high and the ground surrounding the fire has been cleared of all combustible material for 5 feet from the base of the fire.
STARTER FUEL. Dry, untreated, unpainted wood or charcoal fire starter. Paraffin candles and alcohols are permitted as starter fuels and as aids to ignition only. Propane gas torches or other clean gas burning devices causing minimal pollution may be used to start the fire.
WOOD. Dry, clean fuel only such as twigs, branches, limbs, charcoal, cordwood, or untreated dimensional lumber. WOOD does not include wood that is green, with leaves or needles, rotted, wet, oil soaked, or treated with paint, glue, or preservatives.
(C) Exceptions to open burning restrictions.
(1) Campfires as defined above;
(2) Fire contained in charcoal grills, camp stoves, or other devices designed for the purpose of cooking or heating;
(3) Fires may not, however, be used for the burning of litter, refuse, garbage, leaves, or paper. Fires not housed in an outdoor fireplace or barbecue appliance must be surrounded by noncombustible material. Fires must be located at least 20 feet from adjacent properties;
(4) The Amboy Fire Department may conduct building burns within the city upon approval of the City Council. The approval is contingent upon the Fire Department receiving all the necessary approvals from any state or local governmental department in regard to the building burns; and
(5) The Maple River School District may have a bonfire during Homecoming festivities upon approval by the City Council.
(D) Additional provisions. A competent person shall constantly attend any fire permitted by this section until the fire is extinguished. This person shall have a garden hose connected to the water supply, or other extinguishing equipment readily available for use. No person shall conduct, cause, or permit open burning during a burning ban put into effect by a local authority, county, or state agency. Exception to conduct fires under this section does not excuse a person from the consequences, damages, or injuries which may result therefrom nor does it exempt any person from regulations promulgated by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency or any other governmental unit exercising jurisdiction in matters of pollution or fire hazard regulations.
(Ord. 114, passed 5-3-1999; Am. Ord. passed 6-3-2002) Penalty, see § 53.99