[HISTORY: Adopted by the Board of Supervisors of the Township of Whitemarsh 6-13-2024 by Ord. No. 1039. Amendments noted where applicable.]
It shall be unlawful to burn, ignite, incinerate, maintain, or permit to burn any materials whatsoever, of whatever nature, including but not limited to solid waste, recyclable materials, leaves, grass, weeds, and hedge and tree trimmings.
A. 
Burning shall be permitted for firefighting training by Township designated firefighting organizations conditioned on prior approval of the Whitemarsh Township Fire Marshal or his or her designee.
B. 
Burning shall be permitted for recreational and entertainment purposes, such as bonfires and campfires, conditioned on prior approval of the Whitemarsh Township Fire Marshal or his or her designee. A special event permit is needed for these type of events along with the need for fire department stand-by.
C. 
Fire pits, fire bowls, and chimineas may be used without Fire Marshal approval provided these are used in accordance with the manufacturer's safety guidelines and the following regulations:
(1) 
Yard debris and trash shall not be burned, including leaves.
(2) 
Open burning is prohibited when the following weather-related hazards are present:
(a) 
If sustained winds are 10 m.p.h. or greater; or gusts are 20 m.p.h. or greater.
(b) 
A burn ban has been put in place by PA Department of Conservation & Natural Resources.
(c) 
A "Red Flag" day declared by the National Weather Service.
(3) 
The Fire Marshal, fire officers, and police officers can order any open burn extinguished if they deem it unsafe or a nuisance.
(4) 
Open burning shall be 50 feet from structures and combustibles with the following exceptions:
(a) 
Open burning with a burn pile three feet or less in diameter and two feet or less in height can be 25 feet from structures and combustibles.
(b) 
Open burning in approved containers, such as listed manufactured fire pits from home improvement stores, can be 15 feet from structures and combustibles.
(c) 
Burn barrels or other homemade containers are not allowed.
(5) 
All open burning must constantly be attended by an adult and have a means to extinguish it, such as a garden hose, bucket of water, loose sand/dirt, or an adequately sized fire extinguisher.
D. 
When approved by a government agency only, burning is permitted for:
(1) 
The prevention and control of disease or pests;
(2) 
The conservation and management of unique and natural areas;
(3) 
The prevention or abatement of a fire hazard;
(4) 
The management technique for preventing wildfires;
(5) 
For scientific research, or vegetation management;
(6) 
For agricultural uses and purposes as permitted by state law.