Policy Statement for Recreation Fires
Reference: International Fire Code 2021 Edition Section 307

Definitions

Recreational Fire is the burning of materials other than rubbish for pleasure, religious, ceremonial, cooking, or similar purposes in which the fuel being burned is not contained in an incinerator, a barbeque grill, or a barbecue pit and the total fuel area is not exceeding 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet in height.

Outdoor Fire Pit is a structure or appliance that is designed and approved for the burning of combustible material that does not have a flue, chimney or duct and the combustion gases are emitted directly into the atmosphere. A fire pit shall consist of a fire ring constructed of a metal ring, non combustible bowl, rocks or bricks.

Outdoor Fireplace is a device or structure designed and constructed in accordance with recognized standards for the burning of natural combustible materials and releases the combustion gases through a flue, chimney, or duct. Example includes patio fireplaces equipped with a metal screen enclosure, chimeneas, etc.

Rubbish is waste material including, but not limited to, garbage, waste paper, and debris from construction or demolition.

Recreational Fires Policy

• Recreational fires shall be in an appliance designed for such purposes, i.e. outdoor fire pit or outdoor fire place.
• Recreational fires contained in an outdoor fire pit shall not be conducted within 25 feet of a combustible structure.
• Recreational fires contained in an outdoor fire place should not be conducted within 15 feet of a combustible structure.
• Fire pits shall be clear of combustible vegetation for no less than ten feet in all directions. Grass less than 4 inches is permitted as long as it is green or wet.
• The burning of rubbish, leaves, lumber, manufactured type logs or material other than natural wood logs cut for such purposes is prohibited.
• A fire will NOT be allowed if the winds would create a dangerous situation.
• Fire-extinguishing equipment shall be readily available at all recreational fires and can consist of water hose, shovel, or fire extinguisher.
• Recreational fires shall be constantly attended by a competent person.

Open Flame Cooking Devices Policy 
Charcoal burners and other open flame cooking devices should not be operated or located on combustible balconies or within 10 feet of combustible structures. (Exception for 1 and 2 family dwellings and where buildings, balconies, or decks are protected by an approved automatic sprinkler system.)

The Fire Chief or Fire Marshal is authorized to require that recreational fires be immediately discontinued if such fires are determined to constitute a hazardous condition, are emitting obnoxious odors, or are producing visible smoke that may constitute a nuisance or health hazard.

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