As used in this article, the following terms shall have the
meanings indicated:
RECREATIONAL FIRE
An outdoor fire burning only dried seasoned hard woods for
the purpose of pleasure, religious, ceremonial, cooking, warmth or
similar purposes. The fuel being burned shall be contained to an outdoor
fireplace, barbeque grill or barbeque pit and have a total fuel area
of three feet (914 mm) or less in diameter and two feet (610 mm) or
less in height. Fuel being burned shall not include rubbish, lumber,
garbage or other offensive materials.
Request for outdoor recreational fires have become a popular
activity and concern within the City of Olean, especially with the
recent marketing and sales of portable outdoor fireplaces, made of
metal, ceramic and like materials. The Department of Building, Fire
and Emergency Services will allow burning for recreational purposes
consistent with the state, county, and local codes and laws, provided
the following guidelines are followed:
(1) Fire safety must always be followed.
(2) Recreational fires must be of the same size as in fireplaces (no
larger than three feet in diameter; no taller than two feet in height),
located 15 feet from combustible structures (houses, fences, sheds,
garages, wooden decks, and similar structures) and conducted on noncombustible
surfaces.
(3) Materials for burning must be clean seasoned firewood (wet wood,
fresh cut wood, painted or stained wood creates smoky conditions and
is not allowed to be burned).
(4) Competent adult supervision must be on site while fire is burning.
A competent adult is someone over 18 years of age, not impaired by
drugs, alcohol or having medical or mental conditions which could
impair their ability to take proper action if required.
(5) A source of water must be available to control or extinguish any
fire (charged garden house hooked up to a water supply, multiple pails
of water or a 4-A fire extinguisher).
(6) No new materials can be added to the fire after 10:00 p.m.; fire
must be extinguished before abandoning.
(7) Fire cannot create a nuisance. Smoke and/or odors may be considered
a nuisance.
(8) Outdoor portable fireplaces made of metal, ceramic and like materials
and contained with that approved appliance. The approved appliances
must follow these same rules and not be placed on any combustible
surfaces (decks, porches, tables, etc.). They may not be located less
than 15 feet from a combustible structure and must be extinguished
before abandoning.
Violations of this article shall be a minimum fine of $50 for
a first offense and a $250 fine for each offense thereafter within
a one-year period. If further expenses are incurred by the City, all
expenses will be added to the fine to cover any and all costs the
City incurred.