[Adopted 12-15-2009 by Ord. No. 2009-58]
A.
The Township Committee of the Township of Cranford finds that recreational
fires 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 Township of Cranford.
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 Township of Cranford 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.
It is in the public interest that the provisions, prohibitions and
controls hereinafter contained be enacted as a matter of legislative
determination and public policy and be adopted for the purpose of
securing and promoting the public health, comfort, safety, and general
welfare and quality of life of the residents of the Township of Cranford.[1]
For the purpose of this article, the following definitions shall
apply:
As defined by the manufacturers, approved containers for
open burning.
Trunks and branches of trees and bushes, but does not include
leaves, needles, vines or brush smaller than two inches in diameter.
Any odor, emission, or event that prevents the reasonable
use and enjoyment of one's property.
An outdoor fire where seasoned wood of approved dimensions
is burned for entertainment.
Dry wood which has 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 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.
Recreational fires in approved containers shall be allowed without
a permit at one- and two-family owner-occupied homes, duplexes, and
town homes, subject to the regulations contained herein.
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, fire pit or other method approved by the Fire Chief or
his designee.
C.
All openings in the container or fire pit must be covered with wire
mesh or other screening materials that will prevent the passage of
sparks or embers.
D.
Fires must be kept in the rear yard at least 15 feet from any structure
or combustible exterior wall.
E.
Fires must be constantly attended until the fire is extinguished.
A minimum of one portable fire extinguisher with a minimum 4-A rating
or other approved on-site fire extinguishing equipment, such as dirt,
sand, water barrel, or garden hose, shall be available for immediate
utilization.
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 two inches in diameter, treated or untreated
lumber, garbage, paper products or anything other than firewood as
set forth herein is prohibited, except that kindling may be used to
start a fire.
H.
All open fires as set forth herein shall be extinguished no later
than 12:00 midnight.
I.
The Fire Chief or his designee, a police officer, or health officer
may order any open fire, or use of a chiminea, outdoor fireplace or
fire pit which creates a nuisance, to be extinguished.
A.
This article shall be administered by the Fire Department, the Police
Department, and the Health Department.
