Outdoor Fire Regulations Posted

With the start of spring and warmer weather conditions, Fire Chief Jeff McCrobie wants to remind residents of the local and state regulations regarding outdoor fires.

These fires are regulated by the city of Oswego Code, the New York State Fire Code, and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.

There is an increased fire risk in the spring due to the lack of green vegetation, warmer weather, wind, and the abundance of dry fuels such as dry grass and leaves.

Small outdoor fires can grow out of control very rapidly with these favorable conditions.

Regulations can vary in many municipalities, and in many cases, local laws are more strict than state laws regarding open burning.

The city of Oswego Code prohibits open burning of anything in public and anything expect solid fuels such as charcoal or untreated wood on private property.

The burning of yard waste, leaves, clippings, branches, rubbish, trash, furniture, etc. is strictly prohibited.

Small recreational fires, fires in permanent outdoor fireplaces, permanent outdoor barbecue pits or grills are allowed under certain circumstances.

Recreational fires that are less than 3 feet in diameter and less than 2 feet
in height must be 25 feet from combustible materials.

Larger open burns, prohibited during the NYS burn ban of March 16 May 14, must be 50 feet from combustible materials.

Chimineas and fire pits with approved mesh covers or other approved containers must be 15 feet from combustible materials.

Any outdoor fire must be constantly attended until extinguished.

A means of extinguishment must be readily available, such as dirt
and sand (with a shovel), a garden hose, or a minimum 4A rated portable fire extinguisher.

Although it is legal to have an LPG (propane) burner, charcoal burner, or other open flame device on a porch or combustible deck of a one- or two-family dwelling, we recommend that all outdoor open flame devices be placed a safe distance away from anything combustible in case of a malfunction or accident, the chief said.

These types of devices are prohibited in multifamily dwellings.

Most of our calls for outdoor fires are reported as nuisance complaints from neighbors.

In these cases, our personnel will respond to the location and ensure the outdoor fire complies with the code and is not posing a hazard to surrounding areas.

Open burning that is objectionable because of smoke, odor, or local hazardous condition is prohibited.

Even outdoor fires that are allowed within the regulations can be very dangerous.

Establish a safe area, keep children away, and never leave a fire unattended.

As always, contact the fire department with questions or concerns.

City of Oswego Fire Department 35 E. Cayuga St., Oswego, NY 13126 Phone: (315) 3432161.
Fax: (315) 3430243.

Print this entry