[HISTORY: Adopted by the Township Committee of the Township
of West Deptford 4-3-2014 by Ord.
No. 2014-06. Amendments noted where applicable.]
A.
Legislative findings; policy; applicability.
The Township Committee of the Township of West Deptford 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
the Township of West Deptford. 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 West Deptford to prevent
the danger of fire from open burning which is a detriment to the public
health, comfort, safety, welfare and quality of life.
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 the Township of West Deptford.
B.
CHIMINEA, OUTDOOR FIREPLACE, OUTDOOR FIRE PIT
FIREWOOD
NUISANCE
OPEN BURNING
RECREATIONAL FIRE
TREATED LUMBER
UNTREATED LUMBER
Definitions. For the purpose of this chapter, 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.
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.
C.
Recreational fire regulations.
(1)
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.
(2)
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.
(3)
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.
(4)
Fires must be kept in the rear yard at least 15 feet from any structure
or combustible exterior wall.
(5)
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.
(6)
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.
(7)
All recreational fires as set forth herein shall be prohibited between
the hours of 2:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m.
(8)
The Fire Official or his designee, Police Officer, or 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.
