(A) Generally; at site of work project. No person shall kindle or maintain any bonfire or rubbish fire or authorize any such fire to be kindled or maintained without authorization by the Fire Chief. During construction or demolition of buildings or structures no waste materials or rubbish shall be disposed of by burning on the premises or in the immediate vicinity without having obtained a permit or other proper authorization from the Fire Chief.
(B) Location restricted. No person shall kindle or maintain any bonfire or rubbish fire or authorize any such fire to be kindled or maintained on any private land unless the location is not less than 50 feet from any structure and adequate provision is made to prevent fire from spreading to within 50 feet of any structure, or the fire is contained in a waste burner, of a type approved by the Fire Chief, located safely not less than 15 feet from any structure; provided, that no bonfire or rubbish fire shall be kindled or maintained on any part of the streets, sidewalks, public squares, or other public places in the city; and provided further, that no bonfire or rubbish fire shall be kindled or maintained within the fire limits without a permit from the Fire Chief.
(C) Attendance of open fires. Bonfires and rubbish fires shall be constantly attended by a competent person until such fire is extinguished. This person shall have a garden hose connected to the water supply or other fire extinguishing equipment readily available for use.
(D) Fire Chief may prohibit. The Fire Chief may prohibit any or all bonfires and outdoor rubbish fires when atmospheric conditions or local circumstances make such fires hazardous.
(Prior Code, § 11-1) Penalty, see § 95.999
Charter reference:
Authority to abate all nuisances and compel the removal thereof, see Charter § 30
Authority to regulate the keeping of gunpowder and dangerous explosives, see Charter § 30
Statutory reference:
Authority to enact ordinances to protect the public safety, see W. Va. Code 8-12-5(44)
Authority to prevent injury to the public, see W. Va. Code 8-12-5(13) to (15)
Authority to provide for the elimination of hazards, see W. Va. Code 8-12-5(23)