Updated Burning Ordinance Would Permit Chimineas

Hellertown residents who are fans of the Mexican-descended outdoor fireplaces known as chimineas may soon be able to use them as such, Borough Council members decided at their meeting June 4.

Council members discussed changes to the borough's ordinance regulating open fires and burning, and several recommended that the use of chimineas be considered as part of the overhaul that incorporates language from the International Fire Code.

Councilwoman Gail Nolf said residents should be allowed to build blazes in the popular ceramic fireplaces, regardless of whether they plan to cook on them or not.

"If we want to allow chimineas, let's just allow them," she said, adding that she does not own one.

Police Chief Robert Shupp agreed.

He told council that residents who have been using their chimineas as fireplaces have been circumventing the current ordinance by claiming that they are being used for .

This can be accomplished by leaving an inexpensive piece of food such as a charred hot dog on top of a chiminea for hours.

"I agree with Gail," Shupp said. "You either allow them or you don’t."

According to the draft ordinance under consideration, the police, the borough's codes enforcement officer or the fire chief will retain the authority to suspend the operation of an open fire in Hellertown.

Council unanimously approved the draft ordinance June 4, which means a final version of the revised ordinance will be voted upon at a future meeting.