(A) Permits. A permit to burn may be issued in special instances or for special occasions by the Chief of the Fire Department. This permit may be obtained at the Fire Station at no cost.
(B) Burning provisions.
(1) General. A person shall not kindle or maintain or authorize to be kindled or maintained any burning unless conducted and approved in accordance with this section.
(2) Discontinuance. The Fire Chief is authorized to require burning be immediately discontinued if such burning constitutes a hazardous condition.
(3) Exceptions or special use (i.e., fires used for celebrating school pep rallies and fires used for celebrating scouting activities) which may be approved at the discretion of the Fire Chief.
(4) Material restrictions. It shall be unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to build a bonfire or to burn any rags, leaves, large volumes of yard waste, paper, boxes, boards, trash, rubber, garbage, motor vehicles, buildings, rubbish, or refuse of any kind within the city limits without a permit.
(5) Extinguishment authority. When burning creates or adds to a hazardous situation, or a required permit for burning has not been obtained, or for any other reason deemed appropriate by the authorized fire official, the authorized fire officials may order the extinguishment of the fire.
(6) Wood fire pits.
(a) Fire in approved fire pits must be at least 15 feet from a structure.
(b) Fire Pits shall not exceed three feet in diameter.
(c) Fires in a fire pit shall not exceed two feet in height.
(d) Firewood, small sticks, charcoal, or starter packs are all that is permitted to be burnt in fire pits.
(7) Portable outdoor fireplaces.
(a) Portable outdoor fireplaces shall be used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and shall not be operated within 15 feet of a structure or combustible material.
(b) Firewood, small sticks, charcoal, or starter packs are all that is permitted to be burnt in outdoor fireplaces.
(8) Natural/propane gas fire pits shall be used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and shall be operated at a safe distance of surrounding structures.
(9) Attendance. Burning material shall be constantly attended by a person knowledgeable in the use of fire extinguishing equipment and familiar with any limitations which restrict burning. A knowledgeable person shall supervise the burning material until the fire has been extinguished.
(C) Discontinuance. The Fire Chief is authorized to suspend individual or city-wide burning at any time.
(Ord. l976-3, passed 4-5-76; Am. Ord. 2020-4, passed 7-6-20) Penalty, see § 92.99