(A) Adoption. The State Uniform Fire Code, most current 2007 edition or the most current edition, is hereby adopted and incorporated as part of this code of ordinances as fully as if set out at length herein. One copy of said Code shall be marked “City of Wadena - Official Copy” and kept on file in the office of the City Administrator and open to inspection and use by the public.
(B) Storage of flammable and explosives material. Present installations for the purpose of storage of flammable liquid, liquefied petroleum gas, and explosives and blasting agents may continue in the Agricultural District; provided, however, that such installation shall not be expanded, nor shall new installations for such purpose be permitted without a special permit from the Council. Prior to issuance of any such permit, an application therefor shall be investigated by the Chief of the Fire Department, and a hearing held thereon before the Council.
(C) Recreational fires.
(1) Recreational fires shall be as regulated by the Uniform Fire Code (Article II - General Safety Precautions, § 1102.4), most current 2007 edition or the most current edition.
(2) Recreational fire means a fire set for recreational, cooking, warming, or ceremonial purposes producing little detectable smoke, odor, or soot beyond the property line. Such recreational fires do not require a permit.
(3)
All recreational fires will be in a fireplace or device designed and manufactured for such recreational fires or equivalent. Such devices shall raise the combustion area above the ground level and not be a below ground fire pit. Prohibited are recreational fires on ground contained by “tire rims”, non-mortared rocks, brick, or concrete blocks. The burning of flammable liquids, refuse, garbage, lawn clippings, and leaves is prohibited.
(4) “Burning barrels” are not considered a recreational fire and are prohibited.
(5) Firewood used in recreational fires shall not exceed 24 inches in length and shall be untreated, unfinished wood. Starter fuels shall be dry, untreated, unpainted wood, kindling, branches, cardboard, or charcoal starter. Propane gas torches or other clean gas-burning devices causing minimum pollution may be used to start the fire.
(6) All recreational fires are limited to a size of three feet high and three feet wide including the combustible materials and flame.
(7) The Fire Department or Police Department are authorized to require that recreational fires be immediately discontinued if such fires are determined to be a safety hazard or a public nuisance.
(8) All recreational fires shall not be within 25 feet of a structure or combustible material. Conditions that could cause a fire to spread must be removed prior to ignition.
(9) This distance can be reduced to 15 feet with an approved appliance. An approved appliance shall be permanent in nature and have a contained fire box, chimney, and be similar to an indoor fireplace.
(10) Fire extinguishing equipment shall be readily available for use at recreational fires. This includes buckets, shovels, garden hoses, or a fire extinguisher with a minimum of a 4-A rating.
(11) A person knowledgeable in the use of fire extinguishing equipment shall attend a recreational fire. An attendant shall supervise a recreational fire until such fire is extinguished.
(12) Open fires or open burning is prohibited. Open fires or open binning is a fire burning in material which is not contained within a fully enclosed firebox or structure and the products of combustion are emitted directly into open atmosphere without passing through a stack, duct, or chimney. Note: open burning for a government agency or public utility is permissible with written permission of the DNR and the Fire Department.
(13) This section does not apply to charcoal or gas-fired grills.
(14) The definition of a FIREPLACE is a fixed or portable containment device for a fire. The combustion material and flame is raised from the ground and all combustible materials are contained in this structure.
(D) Large bonfires.
(1) Bonfires are permissible upon obtaining a permit issued by the City Administrator or his or her designee department and signed by the Police Department and Fire Department. The party responsible for the property where the fire is to take place must sign the permit application.
(2) Permits must be applied for and obtained at least 48 hours prior to ignition.
(3) Permits will be issued to groups and organizations for the purpose of group recreation. The permit must be in the possession of an adult who is attending the fire. The Fire Department or the Police Department must inspect all burn sites and burn piles prior to issuing the permit.
(4) Materials to be burned must be untreated or unfinished wood. Other materials such as flammable liquids, refuse, plastic, paper, lawn clippings, and leaves are prohibited.
(5) The Fire Department and Police Department are authorized to require that bonfires be immediately discontinued if such fires are determined to be a safety hazard or a public nuisance.
(6) Fire extinguishing equipment shall be readily available for use at recreational fires and bonfires. This includes buckets, shovels, garden hoses, or a fire extinguisher with a minimum of a 4-A rating.
(7) The bonfire must be located at least 25 feet from any structure or combustibles.
(8) Fees for bonfire permits will be set by the Council and may be revised on a periodic basis.
(E) External heating systems.
(1) External heating systems using fossil fuels or other bio-mass material as a source of energy, if constructed in sufficient numbers in the city, may create a pollution nuisance affecting the public health and welfare and quality of life of residents of the city.
(2) Use of external heating systems located in a shelter or building other than the residence or standing on its own, is prohibited within the city.
(2006 Code, § 10.61) (Ord. 40, 3rd Series, passed 5-30-1984; Ord. 153, 3rd Series, passed 3-19-2004) Penalty, see § 130.99