City of Geneva Clearly Explains Open-Burning and Fire-Pit Rules

The city of Geneva sent its newsletter this week with a very good explanation of the new . 

Now you can find it easily by going to Geneva Patch and searching for "open burning" or "fire pit."

Definitions

• "Brush" means tree trunks, logs, limbs, branches and twigs.
• "Landscape waste" means flowers, grass and grass clippings, leaves, pine needles, roots, shrubbery clippings, weeds and any other significant accu- mulation of small landscape waste materials.
• "Open burning" means the burning of any materials outdoors.
• "Processed wood" means natural wood to which is added glue and other adhesives, paint, polyurethane, stain, varnish or other such materials or which is treated with chemicals or other substances to change the character of the wood. Processed wood includes, but is not limited to furniture, parti- cle board, plywood, Wolmanized lumber and similar wood materials.
• “Combustible” combustibles and structures include, but are not limited to, homes, garages, sheds, playhouses, wood decks, wood fences, trees, bushes, and other items
• "Self-contained outdoor burning device” means a freestanding or station- ary apparatus that contains a burn chamber that prevents the products and emissions from combustion from immediately entering the ambient air by use of a chimney, flue, baffle, screen, grill, hood or other similar device.
• “Recreational Fire” means a fire set for cooking, warming, enjoyment, or ceremonial purposes.

Violations

Any person convicted of a violating the Burning Regulation Code shall be punished by a fine of not less than $50 nor more than $750 for any one offense.

Who Do I Contact for More Information??

Contact your local alderman or the city of Geneva at (630) 232-7494 or www.geneva.il.us/

 Did you know...

The open burning of any paper, garbage, refuse, waste, brush, leaves, clippings, wood, landscape waste or other combustible or offensive materials is prohibited?

You Can Have A Recreational fire on your property by following these simple steps:

1. Use A Device Designed For Recreational Purposes

This can include clay chimenea, or a metal outdoor fireplace that is a commer- cially prefabricated appliance. All parts, including, but not limited to, screen, lid, and grate must be used according to the manufacturer's direction.

Or, you can use a permanent structure such as a pit that is dug into the ground in a manner that will prevent the burning materials from falling out of the pit. The above-grade portion of the pit must be constructed of stone, masonry, metal, or other similar noncombustible material and extend AT LEAST 6 inches above the coals or ash. The bottom of the pit—which is below grade—must have either a: gravel, stone, or dirt lining.

The pit can be no larger than 3 feet in diameter and no more than 24 inches deep. This is measured from the bottom of the pit to the top of the above-grade materials. A ring of sand, dirt, or other non- combustible material approximately 36 inches wide must be provided around the pit. No plant material is allowed within the 36 inch ring.

Or, you can use a masonry fire place that is designed for that use and has been approved and inspected by the Building Department or .

2. Follow These Rules

Where can you have a recreational fire? Portable fire places must be located on a hard, noncombustible and level surface when in use, this includes but is not limited to, concrete, paver bricks, dirt or asphalt and must be at least 10 feet from the nearest property line. This means you cannot use a portable fireplace on your wooden deck.

How far do you need to locate your fire pit from nearby structures or combustible material? It must be at least 25 feet from all structures and combustibles when the fuel area is between 36 inches and 31 inches in diameter and 24inches or less in height.

Or, it must be at least 15 feet from all structures and combustibles where the total fuel area is 30 inches or less in diameter and 24 inches or less in height.

What kind of fuel can you use? You can use untreated, unpainted, clean, seasoned, dry wood and manufactured fire logs. Propane and other similar gases may also be burned as long as the device is rated for that type of fuel. In all instances the burning of processed wood or landscape waste is strictly prohibited.

Who can supervise a recreational fire? You must be over the age of 18 and CONSTANTLY supervise the fire until it is extinguished.

Put The Fire Out: You must have the ability to extinguish the fire using dirt, sand, water, garden hose, or fire extinguisher during any recreational fire. It must be extinguished in such a manner that all air to the fire is cut off or the burning material is wet down with water until it is cool to the touch.

What About Odors and Fumes? Be a good neighbor and be sensitive to the effects your recreational fire may have on your neighbors. If the police or fire department receive a complaint about smoke or odors from your fire, they may determine it is a nuisance because the “emission of smoke and gases onto a neighboring property contributes to a hazardous condition to health or safety” and will order the fire extinguished. If you refuse to extinguish the fire or reignite the fire after the public safety officers have left it will be extinguished for you and you may be fined up to $750.

You Are Responsible: You must maintain the fire in such a manner as to minimize the generation of smoke. Smoke that is a result of a smoldering or dying fire is prohibited and will be considered to be a public nuisance punishable by a fine.

When Can You Have a Recreational Fire? Recreational fires are prohibited between the hours of 11 p.m. and 6 a.m.

How Long Can A Recreational Fire Burn? You may maintain a recreational fire for no more than four hours in any 24-hour period of time.

Are There Weather Restrictions? YES, there are restrictions. Open burning is prohibited when winds exceed 10 mph, on cloudy days, during announced inversion conditions or ozone alerts, or other local circumstances that make such fires hazardous.

Can my portable fireplace, fire pit, or masonry fireplace be inspected? Yes, it may be inspected by the City Fire Department, , and/or Building Office at such times as deemed necessary by the city.