The purpose of this Article is to promote the public health,
safety and welfare and to safeguard the health, comfort, living conditions,
safety and welfare of the residents and citizens of the Township of
Winslow by regulating the air pollution and fire hazards associated
with open burning and outdoor burning.
For purposes of this Article, and as used herein, the following
terms shall have the meanings indicated:
APPROVED CONTAINERS
noncombustible containers approved by the Bureau for use
in burning open fires or outdoor fires, which include but may not
be limited to chimeneas, outdoor fireplaces, fire pits, patio warmers
or other portable wood-burning devices used for outdoor recreation
and/or heating and which meet the minimum standards set forth in this
Article. A container shall not be considered an approved container
if it permits the products of combustion to be emitted directly into
the ambient air without passing through a stack or chimney from an
enclosed chamber. A chamber shall be regarded as enclosed when, during
the time combustion occurs, only apertures, ducts, stacks, flues or
chimneys necessary to provide combustion air and permit the escape
of exhaust gas are open.
CAMPFIRE
A small outdoor fire intended for recreation or cooking,
but not including a fire intended for disposal of waste wood or refuse.
CLEAN WOOD
Natural wood which has not been painted, varnished or coated
with a similar material; has not been pressure treated with preservatives;
and does not contain resins or glues as in plywood or other composite
wood products.
CONSTRUCTION AND DEMOLITION WASTE
Building waste materials, including but not limited to waste
shingles, insulation, lumber, treated wood, painted wood, wiring,
plastics, packaging, and rubble that results from construction, remodeling,
repair, and demolition operations on a house, commercial or industrial
building, or other structure.
FIRE DISTRICT
The Winslow Township Fire District, including but not limited
to the Fire Marshal and such other persons who are members, employees
and/or authorized representatives thereof.
OPEN BURNING
Kindling or maintaining a fire where the products of combustion
are emitted directly into the ambient air without passing through
a stack or a chimney This includes burning in a burn barrel.
OUTDOOR BURNING
Open burning or burning in an outdoor wood-fired boiler or
patio wood burning unit.
OUTDOOR WOOD-FIRED BOILER
A wood-fired boiler, stove or furnace that is not located
within a building intended for habitation by humans.
REFUSE
Any waste material except trees, logs, brush, stumps, leaves,
grass clippings, and other vegetative matter.
All permitted open fires or outdoor fires shall be maintained
under the following conditions:
A. All fires shall be contained in an approved container only;
B. All open fires or outdoor fires shall be limited to a maximum of
three (3) feet in diameter and two (2) feet in height;
C. All openings in the approved container shall be covered with wire
mesh or other noncombustible screening material that will prevent
the passage of sparks and embers;
D. Only clean wood may be used in any open fire or outdoor fire;
E. All open fires or outdoor fires shall be kept a minimum of fifteen
(15) feet from any structure or combustible exterior wall;
F. Open fires and outdoor fires must be attended and maintained by an
individual of the age of eighteen (18) years or older until the fire
is completely extinguished;
G. No open fire or outdoor fire shall be attended or maintained by an
individual under the age of eighteen (18) years; provided, however,
that nothing herein shall prohibit individuals under the age of eighteen
(18) from using an open fire or outdoor fire for recreational purposes;
H. No open fire or outdoor fire shall be conducted on any porch, deck,
balcony or other portion of a building; within any room or space within
a building; or under any building overhang; provided, however, that
an open fire or outdoor fire may be conducted on a concrete or stone
patio if and only if all other provisions of this Article are met;
I. All open fires and outdoor fires shall be completely extinguished
by 1:00 a.m.; and
J. No person shall cause an open fire or outdoor fire to be used or
maintained in such a manner as to cause a nuisance to neighbors.
In addition to complying with the terms and conditions set forth
in this Ordinance, all open burning and outdoor burning shall comply
with the provisions of the International Fire Code, New Jersey Edition
2006, Section 307 (Open Burning and Recreational Fire), as same may
be amended from time to time.
A person utilizing or maintaining an open fire or outdoor fire
shall be responsible for all fire suppression costs and any other
liability resulting from damage caused by the fire.
The Fire District, Fire Marshal, police officer or any authorized
officer, agent, employee or representative of the Township of Winslow
who presents credentials may inspect any property for the purpose
of ascertaining compliance with the provisions of this Article. Said
persons may order any open fire or outdoor fire which creates a nuisance
or is deemed to be a hazard to be extinguished.
Except as provided below, this Article applies to all outdoor
burning and open burning within the Township of Winslow:
A. Cooking appliances; outdoor grilling. This Article does not apply
to grilling or cooking food using charcoal, wood, propane or natural
gas in cooking or grilling appliances.
B. Heating of residential properties. This Article 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 habitation.
C. Heating for commercial activities. This Article does not apply to
the use of propane, acetylene, natural gas, gasoline or kerosene in
a device intended for heating construction or maintenance activities.