(a) Approval Required. A bonfire shall be allowed after obtaining approval from the Fire Official. An application for a bonfire shall be submitted in writing at least ten (10) days before the fire is to be set and shall be in such form and contain such information as is required by the Fire Official. All permits shall be requested by and issued to the owner of the lot or land upon which the bonfire is to be kindled.
(b) Prohibition. The Fire Official shall prohibit a bonfire that will be offensive or objectionable because of smoke or odor emissions when atmospheric conditions or local circumstances make such fires hazardous. The Fire Official is authorized to order the extinguishment, by the permit holder or the Fire Department, of any bonfire which creates or adds to a hazardous or objectionable situation.
(c) Location. A bonfire shall not be conducted within 50 feet of a structure or combustible material. Conditions which could cause a fire to spread within 50 feet of a structure shall be eliminated prior to ignition. Fires in approved container, such as a barbecue pit, shall be permitted, provided that such fires are not less than fifteen (15) feet from any structure.
(d) Attendance. Any bonfire shall be constantly attended until the fire is extinguished. At least one portable fire extinguisher with a minimum 4-A rating or two portable fire extinguishers with a minimum 2-A rating (complying with paragraph (F)(906) of rule 1301:7-7-09 of the Ohio Administrative Code) or other approved on-site fire extinguishing equipment, such as dirt, sand, water barrel, garden hoses or water truck, shall be available for immediate utilization.
(e) Bonfire Size and Duration. A bonfire shall not be more than five (5) feet by five (5) feet by five (5) feet in dimension and shall not burn longer than three (3) hours. The maximum size and duration of a bonfire shall not be increased by the Fire Official unless it is determined that fire safety requirements of the situation and the desirable duration of burn warrant the increase.
(f) Material. Fuel for a bonfire shall consist only of seasoned dry firewood and shall be ignited with a small quantity of paper or other kindling. The fire shall not be utilized for waste disposal purposes, and the fuel shall be chosen to minimize the generation of air contaminants. (Ord. 07-12. Passed 9-27-07.)