Arnold ordinance would allow backyard fires

Arnold residents would be able to have contained fires in their backyards under a new ordinance city council is considering.

Fires at residences would have to be burned in a container no more than 36 inches in diameter and at least two feet high, according to the proposed ordinance.

The container, such as a fire pit or chiminea, would have to be at least 15 feet away from a structure.

Recreational fires, such as scout campfires and bonfires, would also be permitted, but would have to be put out if surrounding residents complain.

Council approved advertising the ordinance and could vote to approve it in January. Outgoing Mayor Karen Peconi voted against.

Peconi said she is concerned because of the smoke and how close the city’s houses are.

“We have a lot of elderly people who have heart conditions, people who are asthmatic, COPD, they cannot breathe these type of vapors,” she said. “People are going to be burning any kind of wood. If the wood is not dry, it is going to give off excessive smoke.”

Peconi said an acceptable alternative would be to allow propane-fueled fires.

Backyard fires are now not permitted at all in Arnold, Solicitor David Regoli said.

The proposed ordinance prohibits any burning by businesses or commercial establishments. Fires also are not allowed to destroy refuse or in a salvage operation.

In addition to contained fires, the ordinance also includes exceptions for open fires.

Open fires could be set with approval from the city’s ordinance officer. An open burning permit would be valid for one week, and only one permit per address would be issued per month. Fires determined to be a nuisance or hazardous would be put out.

Open fires would have to be 50 feet from property lines and structures.

Only rubbish such as tree branches, excluding leaves, could be burned. Open fires would also be allowed for cooking, fishing and camping.

Open and contained fires would have to be supervised.

Officials would be able to set open fires to prevent a fire hazard and to protect the public health, safety and welfare.

The ordinance also includes a section requiring smoke detectors in buildings, which, if the ordinance is approved, would need to be installed by Jan. 30.

Those found in violation of the ordinance would face a fine up to $1,000 or up to 30 days in jail. Violators also would be responsible for all costs for putting out the fire.