[Adopted 9-9-2013]
A.
The Council of the City of Sunbury finds that open burning and burning
of combustible materials in a residential setting may pose a serious
hazard to the public health, safety, general welfare and the quality
of life of the residents of Sunbury. The public has a right to and
should be ensured of an environment free from noxious fumes and the
threat of fire. It is the policy of the City of Sunbury to prevent
the danger of fire from open burning which is a detriment to the public
health, comfort, safety, welfare and quality of life.
B.
The necessity in the public interest for the provisions, prohibitions
and controls hereinafter contained and enacted is declared for the
purpose of securing and promoting the public health, comfort, safety
and general welfare and quality of life of the residents of the City
of Sunbury.
For the purpose of this section, the following definitions shall
apply:
As defined by the manufacturers, approved containers for
open burning. An approved outdoor fireplace includes those commercially
manufactured devices specifically designed, intended and advertised
for the purpose of recreational fires, such as chimineas, outdoor
fireplaces and those areas specifically designed by a landscape professional
and built within the confines of a deck that are constructed of stone,
concrete blocks or other noncombustible materials.
Trunks and branches of trees and bushes, but does not include
leaves, needles, vines or brush.
Excessive odor, emission, or event that prevents the reasonable
use and enjoyment of one's property.
An outdoor fire where wood or any combustible materials are
burned for cooking or entertainment. Open burning is allowed, provided
the regulations set forth herein are met and are for the purpose of
cooking and entertainment.
Dry wood which has been milled and dried and has been treated
or combined with any petroleum product, glue, chemical, preservative,
adhesive, stain, paint, or other substance.
Dry wood which has been milled and dried but which has not
been treated or combined with any petroleum product, glue, chemical,
preservative, adhesive, stain, paint or other substance.
A.
Open burning in approved containers shall be allowed subject to the
regulations contained herein. Tenants in rental properties must have
landlord's approval prior to any burning for cooking and entertainment
purposes.
B.
Fires shall be limited to a maximum three-foot diameter and two-foot
height, and must be contained in a noncombustible chiminea, outdoor
fireplace, firepit or other method. No person in the City shall make
or assist in making any bonfire in or upon any public street or place
within the City without the permission of the Chief of Police and
the Fire Chief.
[Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General
Provisions, Art. I)]
C.
All openings in the container or firepit must be covered with wire
mesh or other screening materials that will prevent the passage of
sparks or embers.
D.
Fires must be kept at least 10 feet from any structure or combustible
exterior wall or any combustible material.
E.
Fires must be constantly attended. A water source or other provisions
for extinguishing the fire shall be immediately accessible at all
times when there is a fire in the outdoor fireplace.
F.
No such fire or container used for open burning may be used on any
porch, deck, balcony or any other portion of a building; within any
room or space; or under any building overhang.
G.
The burning of yard waste, leaves, brush, vines, evergreen needles,
branches smaller than three inches in diameter, treated lumber, garbage,
paper products or anything other than firewood as set forth herein
is prohibited.
H.
All open fires as set forth herein shall be extinguished no later
than 11:00 p.m.
I.
The Police Department, five duly commissioned Fire Chiefs or Code
Enforcement Officers may order any open fire, or use of a chiminea,
outdoor fireplace or firepit which creates a nuisance, to be extinguished
immediately.
J.
By duly enacted resolution, the City of Sunbury, Northumberland County
or Commonwealth of Pennsylvania may, from time to time during periods
of drought or other dry conditions, issue a fire warning and prohibit
all burning within the City.
[Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General
Provisions, Art. I)]
A.
This section shall be administered by the Police Department, any
Fire Chief duly commissioned in the City of Sunbury, and the Code
Enforcement Officers.
B.
Any person who shall violate any provision of this article shall
be guilty of a summary offense and, upon conviction, be subject to
a fine of not more than $1,000, plus costs of prosecution, or 90 days'
imprisonment, or both. Each day a violation exists shall constitute
a separate offense.
