[HISTORY: Adopted by the Township Council of the Township of Greenwich 12-17-2018 by Ord. No. 10-2018. Amendments noted where applicable.]
GENERAL REFERENCES
Fire prevention – See Ch. 375.
A. 
The Mayor and Council of Greenwich Township find 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 Greenwich Township. 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 Greenwich Township 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 and enacted as a matter of legislative determination and public policy 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 Greenwich Township.
A. 
This chapter applies to all outdoor burning and open burning within Greenwich Township.
B. 
This chapter shall not apply to grilling or cooking food using charcoal, wood, propane or natural gas in cooking or grilling appliances.
C. 
This chapter does not apply to burning for the purpose of generating heat in a stove, furnace, fireplace or other heating device within a building used for human or animal habitation.
D. 
This chapter does not apply to the use of propane, acetylene, natural gas, gasoline or kerosene in a device intended for heating, construction or maintenance activities.
For the purpose of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply:
CHIMINEA; OUTDOOR FIREPLACE; OUTDOOR FIRE PIT
As defined by the respective manufacturers, containers approved for open burning.
FIREWOOD
Trunks and branches of trees and bushes, but does not include leaves, needles, vines or brush smaller than two inches in diameter.
NUISANCE
Any odor, emission, or event that prevents the reasonable use and enjoyment of one's property.
OPEN BURNING
Any fire from which the products of combustion are emitted directly into the open air, and are not by design directed through a stack, chimney or other container designed for recreational fires.
RECREATIONAL FIRE
An outdoor fire where seasoned wood of approved dimensions is burned for entertainment.
TREATED LUMBER
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.
UNTREATED LUMBER
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. 
Recreational fires in approved containers shall be allowed without a permit at one- and two-family owner-occupied homes, duplexes and townhomes, subject to the regulations contained herein.
B. 
Fires shall be limited to a maximum three feet in diameter and two feet in height, and must be contained in a noncombustible chiminea, outdoor fireplace, fire pit or other method approved by the Fire Official or his designee.
C. 
Fires must be kept in the rear yard at least 15 feet from any structure or combustible exterior wall.
D. 
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.
E. 
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.
F. 
All recreational fires as set forth herein shall be prohibited between the hours of 2:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m.
G. 
The Township Fire Official or his designee, a Township police officer, or the Township Code Enforcement 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 chapter shall be administered by Township Fire Official, the Township Police Department, and the Township Code Enforcement Office.
B. 
Any person, firm or corporation, violating any of the provisions of this chapter shall be liable to a fine not exceeding the sum of $1,000.
(1) 
A fine of no more than $100 shall be levied for a first offense;
(2) 
A fine of no more than $500 shall be levied for a second offense; and
(3) 
A fine of no more than $1,000 shall be levied for any subsequent offenses.