[HISTORY: Adopted by the Board of Commissioners of the Township of Patterson 11-13-1989 by Ord. No. 302. Amendments noted where applicable.]
[Added 2-11-2016 by Ord. No. 458[1]]
All outdoor burning within Patterson Township is prohibited with the exception of recreational fires as provided for in § 77-5 and the additional exceptions as set forth in § 77-7.
[1]
Editor's Note: This ordinance also repealed former § 77-1, Permitted materials, as amended; § 77-2, Permitted hours and days, as amended; § 77-3, Unlawful acts; and § 77-4, Restrictions, as amended.
[Added 12-11-2014 by Ord. No. 444]
A recreational fire is an outdoor fire, burning materials other than trash or rubbish, where the fuel is being burned for pleasure, religious, ceremonial, cooking, warmth or similar purposes, including fires contained in outdoor fireplace, and has a total area of four feet or less in diameter and two feet or less in height.
A. 
Recreational fires are limited to dry and seasoned tree wood which is not rotted or rotting and shall not cause noxious smoke, toxic odor, or smoke of sufficient quantity or quality to be released that would inhibit the use and enjoyment of neighboring properties.
B. 
Recreational fires shall be supervised at all times by a responsible adult, 21 years of age or older, and until such time as the last spark is out.
C. 
Recreational fires shall not be closer than 25 feet to any structure or property line and shall have a natural or constructed fire break of at least 10 feet around the fire.
D. 
Recreational fires shall not be burned between 11:00 p.m. and 11:00 a.m.
E. 
Recreational fires shall be contained via a fire ring.
F. 
Recreational fires shall be completely extinguished before the supervising adult leaves the fire location.
G. 
Recreational fires may only be ignited with a small amount of paper. No accelerants of any kind are permitted.
[Added 12-11-2014 by Ord. No. 444]
A. 
Adequate means for extinguishing fires shall be within reasonable distance from any fire and shall be there for the duration of the fire.
B. 
Fires shall not be burned during periods of high wind or extreme drought nor when atmospheric conditions or local circumstances make such fires hazardous.
C. 
Fires shall be prohibited if conditions are such that burning would be hazardous to the health, safety, and general welfare of persons or property in the community, including but not limited to smoke or odor emissions that are considered to be offensive. A responding police officer or fireman to a violation of this policy or ordinance shall have the authority to order the fire extinguished.
D. 
Where conditions are such that burning would be hazardous to the health, safety, and general welfare of persons or property in the community, the Board of Commissioners, or the Patterson Township Fire Chief or Assistant Chief may declare a complete ban on all open air burning.
[Added 12-11-2014 by Ord. No. 444]
A. 
Nothing in this chapter shall preclude the use of barbeque grills utilized and designed for the cooking of food.
B. 
Nothing in this chapter shall preclude the use of ornamental propane or gas fire pits, tables, or patio heaters.
C. 
Nothing in this chapter shall allow open burning in violation of burning bans imposed by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania or any other prohibitions enacted by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the County of Beaver, or the Township.
[Amended 2-8-1996 by Ord. No. 348; 12-11-2014 by Ord. No. 444]
The Patterson Township Police Department is hereby authorized to enforce this chapter by the issuance of a citation and the authority to order any fire extinguished. Violation of this chapter shall, upon conviction, be punishable by a fine of not more than $300, together with the cost of prosecution, and, in default of payment of such fines and costs, by imprisonment in the county jail for a period not exceeding 30 days.