Delmont modernizes burning ordinance to accommodate backyard fire pits

Delmont council members updated the borough’s burning ordinance to make better accommodations for the fire pits seen in many yards and driveways.

After receiving questions from residents about whether the borough regulated small, contained backyard fires, Councilman Bill Marx looked at borough code and discovered it was a bit outdated, requiring residents to notify the fire department at least five days in advance of any fire.

The ordinance’s original language, solicitor Dan Hewitt said last month, is a vestige from the borough’s early days, when contractors would burn leftover materials rather than haul them away from a building site.

The update, Hewitt said, officially allows for the type of small, recreational fires common in backyards all over the country.

Council also amended the update to eliminate references to fires being a minimum distance of 15 feet from other combustible structures and materials.

“We haven’t had any complaints, just inquiries,” said Councilman Stan Cheyne. “And, with some of the smaller lots in the borough, I think we should get rid of anything dealing with distance.”

Council voted 5-1 to update the ordinance; Marx voted no. Councilwoman Pam Simpson was not present.