Open burning, Warming Fires and Grilling

Open Burning, Warming Fires and Grilling Safety Tips

Section 307: Open burning, recreational fires, and outdoor warming fires

(ACFPC) 307.1.2 Burning of leaves and yard waste. The open burning of leaves and yard waste is prohibited.

(2015 VSFPC) 307.2 Permit required. A permit shall be obtained from the fire code official in accordance with (ACFPC) Section 107.2 prior to kindling a fire for recognized silvicultural or range or wildlife management practices, prevention or control of disease or pests, or a bonfire. Application for such approval shall only be presented by and permits issued to the owner of the land upon which the fire is to be kindled.

(2015 VSFPC) 307.4.1 Bonfires. A bonfire shall not be conducted within 50 feet (15 240 mm) of a structure or combustible material unless the fire is contained in a barbecue pit. Conditions that could cause a fire to spread within 50 feet (15 240 mm) of a structure shall be eliminated prior to ignition.

(2015 VSFPC) 307.5. Attendance. Open burning, bonfires, recreational fires and use of portable outdoor fireplaces shall be constantly attended until the fire is extinguished. A minimum of one portable fire extinguisher complying with Section 906 with a minimum 4-A rating or other approved on-site fire extinguishing equipment, such as dirt, sand, water barrel, garden hose, water truck, shall be available for immediate utilization.

(ACFPC) 307.6. Endangering other persons or property. No person shall kindle, authorize to be kindled or maintain any permitted fire in such a manner that could endanger the person or property of another.

(ACFPC) 307.7. Prohibited conduct. Any person who carelessly or negligently sets fire to, burns, or causes to be burned any property, either real or personal, whether the property of himself or of another, shall be subject to the penalties of this code.

(ACFPC) 307.8 Allowable fuels. Only seasoned dry firewood or similar clean burning materials shall be permitted as fuel for outdoor warming fires, and recreational fires. Land clearing waste, leaves, yard waste, rubbish, or refuse shall not be used as fuel.

Section 308: Open Flames

(ACFPC) 308.1.4 Open-flame cooking devices.  Charcoal burners and other open-flame cooking devices fueled by combustible or flammable gases, liquids, or solids shall not be operated or stored on any balcony, rooftop, or deck of any building or within fifteen (15) feet of combustible construction or a residential building, hotel, or motel.

Exceptions:

1. One- and two-family dwellings, including townhouse(s).

2. Where buildings, balconies and decks are protected by an automatic sprinkler system, or cooking devices using an approved, permanently installed, natural gas system as the sole fuel heating source which are: listed by a nationally recognized testing authority; securely mounted to prevent overturning; properly installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s installation instructions; and approved, permitted, and inspected by the Arlington County Building Code Official, may be operated on non-combustible balconies, and decks.

3. Open flame cooking devices using an approved, permanently installed, natural gas system as the sole fuel or heating source, which are: listed by a nationally recognized testing authority; securely mounted to prevent overturning; properly installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s installation instructions; and approved, permitted, and inspected by the Arlington County Building Code Official may be operated on non-combustible rooftop patios.

(ACFPC) 308.1.4.1 Notification. The person in control or management agent of multi-family residential occupancies which have balconies, patios, terraces, and/or decks shall notify their tenants or occupants in writing of the prohibitions outlined in Section 308.1.4 of this code. Such notification shall occur when the tenant or occupant initially occupies, renews a lease, and periodically thereafter as may be necessary to ensure compliance.