[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:
As defined by the respective manufacturers, containers approved
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.
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.
An outdoor fire where seasoned wood of approved dimensions
is burned for 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.
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.
