Fire Pit Ordinance to Limit Nuisances, Improve Safety

From cookouts to pool parties, the warmer weather brings with it more opportunities for outdoor gatherings.

But the increasing popularity of backyard fire pits, which are fast becoming a staple of summer social hours, has led the to recommend some new regulation of their use.

"There’s been a lot of nuisance calls about them," says , and with the close proximity of homes in the borough, he has some safety concerns as well.

That's why a new ordinance regulating the use of fire pits will be on the docket tonight at the borough Commissioners meeting.

If approved, the new regulations would enact a $10 permitting process that would regulate the use of the backyard fire pits under the more general regulation of any outdoor burning, Davis says.

"Technically in New Jersey, it’s illegal to burn anything outside without a permit," he says. "If it becomes a continuous hazard, a fire hazard or a nuisance to the neighbors, we have the right to revoke their use."

Among his concerns, Davis says, is a worry that some residents are making their own improvised fire pits, and the hazards that such action implies.

"This gives us the guidelines to go out and be able to enforce some rules," he says. "Digging a hole in the ground is not a proper container."

Complaints about smoky fires can be resolved by using clean, dry and untreated wood, Davis says, and by never burning trash, which is illegal in New Jersey.

Finally, he says, it's critical to build any fire at least 15 feet away from anything combustible, including decks and other structures. Just in case, always have a garden hose nearby—and always make sure the fire's out before turning in for the night.

"The biggest thing we see is people think it’s out and they go to bed—and then they wake up and there’s a fire because they didn’t extinguish the embers," Davis says.

Davis says that the ordinance also will enable the fire department to enforce compliance with financial and other penalties. He hopes to not have to rely on them, but as written, the legislation provides for penalties of $50-$100 per day for violations.

"We’ll first require them to get the permit," Davis says. "If they continue to go against the guidelines, there will be penalties."

Here are the outdoor fire safety rules from the website:

• Must be in an approved container with an ember-suppressing lid.
• Use only clean dry wood: no brush, leaves, trash, treated or wet wood.
• Do not use any flammable liquids to ignite the fire.
• Fireplace must be 15 feet away from any combustibles; not on decks or near structures.
• Must have a garden hose stretched to the fireplace or a fire extinguisher near the fireplace.
• If we receive complaints of smoke or embers and have to respond we will make you extinguish the fire for the night.
• If we receive multiple calls to your house or you do not abide by the above, we will issue a citation and possible fines.