| This amendment brings Palmer Township up to date with the most recent code editions for the Fire Prevention Ordinance, which is also consistent with the Commonwealth’s most recent code editions under the Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code. With the most current edition of the Fire Prevention Code, there are changes to once was referred to as "open burning" provision of the Ordinance.
Open Burning remains prohibited. Burning of construction debris, leaves or grass clippings, or rubbish and other refuse remains prohibited. But what is Open Burning? Fire Code defines open burning as “burning of materials wherein products of combustion are emitted directly into the ambient air without passing through a stack or chimney from an enclosed chamber.” What does this mean? Open burning is any burning that takes place in an unenclosed space or unapproved container. Example of an unapproved container would be a steel drum. Open Burning regulations does not include “Recreational Fires” or “Portable Outdoor Fireplaces”.
What is a Recreational Fire? The Fire Code defines recreational fire as “an outdoor fire burning materials other than rubbish where the fuel being burned is not contained in an incinerator, outdoor fireplace, portable outdoor fireplaces, barbeque grill or barbeque pit and has a total fuel area of 3 feet of less in diameter and 2 feet or less in height for pleasure, religious, ceremonial, cooking, warmth or similar purposes.” This kind of burning includes ordinary campfires and other small fires used for the aforementioned activities. Recreational Fire devices can be constructed of landscape blocks with a metal ring insert commonly referred to as Fire Pit Kits which are available at local hardware stores. NOTE: A METAL INSERT MUST BE PROVIDED. The location of the fire pit shall not be located within 25 feet of a structure or combustible material such as trees, decks, canopies, and fences. And any combustible materials located on the ground shall be removed within 25 feet of the device.
What is a Portable Outdoor Fireplace? The Fire Code defines portable outdoor fireplace as “a portable, outdoor, solid-fuel-burning fireplace that may be constructed of steel, concrete, clay or other noncombustible material. A portable outdoor fireplace may be open in design, or may be equipped with a small hearth opening and a short chimney or chimney opening in the top.” These devices function similar to a masonry or factory-built indoor fireplace except they are portable, solid-fuel burning fireplaces designed to provide ambience and warmth in an outdoor setting. They come in many styles and designs, both open and enclosed. These devices were previously prohibited and enforced as “open burning”. The Fire Code now provides clear regulations of these devices. Portable Outdoor Fireplaces, also known as Patio Fireplaces, shall be used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
Regardless of what device is used, the fire shall be attended at all times until extinguished and a means to extinguish the fire shall be readily available (fire extinguisher, garden hose, water barrel). Burning shall be prohibited when atmospheric conditions or local circumstances make such fire hazardous. Example would be Red Flag warnings or weather alerts of increased fire risk. We will do our best to advise our residents of any red flag or increased fire risk alerts, but common sense should prevail. Be responsible when enjoying your outdoor fire device. Do not burn wet wood or unseasoned wood (freshly cut, not dried) which creates excessive smoke emissions; do not burn during windy conditions; do not burn when relative humidity is 45% or lower; do not burn when the outdoor temperature is 90 degrees or above.
If you have any questions, you may contact the Fire Commissioner at 610-559-9809. |
