This chapter is enacted in the interest of the health, safety and welfare of the residents of the Borough of Riverside for the prevention of fires and to eliminate nuisances caused by smoke, cinders and ashes.
[HISTORY: Adopted by the Borough Council of the Borough of Riverside 10-6-1986 by Ord. No. 865. Amendments noted where applicable.]
A.
No person shall burn any paper or refuse outdoors within the limits of the Borough of Riverside unless such fires are protected by barrel, wire basket or masonry enclosure. Such receptacle must have openings on the sides not greater in size than 1/2 inch. The receptacle must be equipped with a top so constructed as to prevent fly ash from escaping into the atmosphere.
B.
No such outside fire shall be kindled or maintained within 10 feet of any building or the opening of any building or within 10 feet of any property line or street line, and all fires are to be constantly attended by a responsible adult 18 years of age or older.[1]
C.
The burning of any material is prohibited upon any public street or alley.
D.
No fire shall be kindled or maintained between the hours of 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., Eastern standard time, and 7:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., daylight saving time. Burning is restricted to and permitted only on the weekdays of Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday and prohibited any other day of the week.
[Amended 8-3-1987]
E.
The burning of garbage, vegetable waste, rubber, furniture, glass, metals, cans, car products or any other materials which will create nauseous or noxious fumes, smoke, toxic chemicals or excessive fly ash is specifically prohibited.
F.
The burning of brush, dry grass or leaves is permitted during the hours set forth under Subsection D, but must be attended at all times.
G.
It shall be lawful to burn paper and other refuse material that is readily combustible and will not create nauseous fumes, noxious smoke, or excessive fly ash during the hours set forth under Subsection D above.
H.
Charcoal or wood fires kindled for the purpose of outside barbecues shall be permitted.
I.
Fireplaces within a private residence are permitted for the purpose of providing heat or for the use as a barbecue, but in no event shall garbage, rubbish or trash be burned in a fireplace.
J.
The burning of large brush piles or grass areas for the purpose of clearing land shall be permitted, provided the Southside Fire Company is contacted in advance and advised of such plans so that the Fire Department may be aware of the location of said land and be able to stand by in case of emergency.
L.
The Mayor or President of Council may prohibit any and all outdoor fires when atmospheric conditions or local circumstances make such fires hazardous to the residents and structures of Riverside. The Mayor or President of Council will notify the residents by placing an advertisement regarding such burning ban in the local newspaper at the earliest date.
[Added 11-1-1995]
Any person who shall violate any of the provisions of this chapter or fail to comply herewith shall, upon conviction before a Magisterial District Judge, be subject to a fine of not more than $1,000, plus costs of prosecution, for each violation. In the event the fine and costs are not paid, the defendant shall be sentenced to serve not more than 30 days in the Northumberland County Jail. Each day the violation exists shall constitute a separate offense.
The enforcement of this chapter shall be designated to the Riverside Police Department.