Politics & Government

Recreational Fires on Royal Oak City Commission's Agenda Tonight

Commissioners will discuss an amendment to the Fire Prevention Ordinance that would allow recreational fires.

The Royal Oak City Commission will consider a proposed ordinance amendment on Monday that would allow residents to have recreational fires as long as they follow certain guidelines.

Royal Oak currently has a ban on all open burning, including fire pits.

The issue was discussed at the commission's meeting on April 1. Commissioners voted 5-2 (Patricia Capello and Peggy Goodwin were nay votes) to refer the possible repeal or modification of the open burning ordinance to the administration and city attorney for review. 

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Neither the fire department nor the city administration is in favor of repealing or amending the open burn ordinance, according to a memo from City Manager Don Johnson.

"However, we are well aware that a large number of residents have petitioned the city commission to amend the ordinance in order to allow recreational fires and that several city commissioners support such an amendment," wrote Johnson.

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Johnson is against a permit system to control recreational fires, calling permits cost prohibitive and labor intensive.

The proposed guidelines

The fire department and city administration recommend the following restrictions:

  • Recreational fires shall only be allowed in a commercially manufactured outdoor fireplace unit no larger than 1,024 square inches. Fires shall not be built on the ground. 
  • The outdoor fireplace unit must be manufactured in a manner that includes design to prevent sparks and hot ash from escaping. 
  • The outdoor fireplace unit shall only be utilized for the burning of clean hardwood. Elm, ash or other wood of a diseased or pest infected species of tree as well as softwoods, rubbish or construction debris of any kind shall not be burned in a recreational fire. 
  • Fire wood must be stored in compliance with the Property Maintenance Code. 
  • No flammable or combustible liquids shall be used to support ignition. 
  • The outdoor fireplace unit shall be located not less than 25-feet from any structure or combustibles and not less than 15-feet from any property line. 
  • The outdoor fireplace unit shall not be located directly under any overhead wires or tree limbs.
  • The outdoor fireplace unit shall be constantly attended by a person 18 years of age or older until the fire is extinguished. 
  • A minimum of one portable fire extinguisher with a minimum 2-A rating or other approved on-site fire extinguishing equipment, such a garden hose, shall be available for immediate utilization. 
  • During times of draught or dry weather or other local circumstances that make such fires especially hazardous, the Fire Chief will have the authority to order a temporary ban on all recreational fires.  Recreational burning shall not occur between the hours of 11 p.m. and 8 a.m. 
  • Recreational fires shall not cause a nuisance to neighbors. Upon receiving any complaint, the Police Department shall order the extinguishment of the fire. 
  • Violation of the ordinance, as amended, will be a civil infraction.

The proposed ordinance amendment is on the agenda for tonight's commission meeting, which will be held at 7:30 p.m. on Monday at City Hall.

What do you think?

Patch readers recently shared their views here on whether backyard fires should be allowed in the city.

What do you think of the proposed ordinance? Do you hope it passes? Tell us in the comments section below.


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