Palm Beach County Fire Rescue Recreational, Ceremonial & Non-Permit Fires PDF

TO: ALL PALM BEACH COUNTY FIRE RESCUE PERSONNEL FROM: PATRICK J. KENNEDY FIRE RESCUE ADMINISTRATOR PREPARED BY: FIRE RESCUE PPM COMMITTEE SUBJECT: RECREATIONAL, CEREMONIAL...

TO: ALL PALM BEACH COUNTY FIRE RESCUE PERSONNEL FROM: PATRICK J. KENNEDY FIRE RESCUE ADMINISTRATOR PREPARED BY: FIRE RESCUE PPM COMMITTEE SUBJECT: RECREATIONAL, CEREMONIAL AND OTHER NON- PERMIT FIRES PPM #: FR-B-105 ISSUE DATE EFFECTIVE DATE April 12, 2022 May 10, 2022 PURPOSE: The purpose of this policy is to establish procedures for administering recreational, ceremonial and other fires not requiring open-burning permits. UPDATES: Future updates to this PPM are the responsibility of the Division Chief of Community Risk Reduction “CRRD”, in conjunction with the PPM Committee, under the authority of the Fire Rescue Administrator. AUTHORITY:  Fire Rescue Administrator  FAC 5I-2  FAC 62-256  Florida Fire Prevention Code 69A-60  Local Amendments to the FFPC, Current Edition SCOPE: This policy applies to all Palm Beach County Fire Rescue personnel and reservists. ATTACHMENT: Attachment A Notice of Violation DEFINITIONS: 1. Ceremonial fires are bonfires and fires for religious purposes. 2. Recreational fires are campfires, cooking fires, or fires for warmth. 3. Backyard burning fires designed as a means to dispose of yard debris are not permitted within the jurisdiction of Palm Beach County Fire Rescue. POLICY: This policy establishes the requirements for “non-permitted” burning in terms of “Ceremonial and Recreational Fires” and the actions required for violations to this policy. FR-B-105/Page 1 of 3 PROCEDURE: 1. Permitting a. Recreational fires as defined above are not required to obtain a permit or letter of approval, but must meet the requirements set forth below in paragraph 2. b. Ceremonial fires shall have an approval letter from the Fire Marshal’s Office. c. A letter of request and a detailed site map showing fire location and standoff distances must be submitted to the Fire Marshal to which an approval letter shall be issued if all the appropriate conditions are met. Those persons who are approved must contact the area fire station to verify if burning is permitted on the approved date of the event. 2. Conditions of Approval a. Residential “Backyard” burning is allowed for recreational purposes providing the fire be contained to a commercial “off-the-shelf” devices having UL or similar approval following the manufactures recommendation or in a fire pit meeting the requirements set forth by the Fire Marshal. b. Recreational Fires and Ceremonial Fires shall meet the following criteria: i. Recreational fires may not be larger than 36 inches in diameter. ii. Ceremonial fire size is dictated by the site, setbacks, extinguishment capabilities, Fire Rescue access, and weather conditions at the time of burning, but at no time shall exceed 30 feet in height. iii. Incinerators, outside fireplaces, permanent barbeques, fire pits or similar structures shall not be built or installed without approval of the Fire Marshal. iv. May burn only untreated wood v. Do NOT burn charcoal briquette, lump charcoal, manufactured logs, driftwood, trash, leaves, papers, cardboard, plywood, painted or stained or pressure treated wood. Avoid using softwoods such as pine or cedar that can throw sparks vi. Must be attended at all times vii. Must have a means of extinguishment immediately available viii. Must be fully extinguished when not attended ix. Must not create an undue fire hazard or excessive amounts of smoke x. Must be a minimum of 50’ from all structures, vegetation and paved public roadways xi. No combustible or flammable liquids within 50’ of the fire xii. Prior to igniting the fire, the person responsible for the fire shall contact the fire station closest to the site to verify if a burn ban is in effect. c. Additionally, at the discretion of the District or Battalion Chief, a unit may be required to stand-by on the scene during such events. The Fire Marshal’s office shall issue a letter for such events, detailing the requirements for burning to be permitted and requiring the affected station to be notified of the burn. 3. Investigations/Smoke Complaints a. Units may be called out to investigate complaints regarding recreational or ceremonial fires. These types of fires are not permitted during days when open burning is prohibited. Personnel should verify approval of burn, as permits are not issued for this FR-B-105/Page 2 of 3  type of fire, but letters are. Personnel should use good judgment when determining if a recreational fire creates an undue hazard. Fires that do not meet the criteria listed above should be modified to come into compliance or be immediately extinguished. Fires which may meet the above requirements but which create an undue fire hazard should likewise be extinguished. Persons found to repeatedly be in violation of the above restrictions may be issued a Notice of Violation. When a Notice of Violation (FR-B-103 Attachment A) is issued, the Fire Marshal’s office shall be notified via email at Fire-Marshal @PBCGOV.org. 4. Burn Ban a. Recreational or ceremonial fires are not permitted when a countywide burn ban is issued by Fire Rescue or the Division of Forestry due to dry conditions and/or elevated fire danger. ______________________________ PATRICK J. KENNEDY FIRE RESCUE ADMINISTRATOR Supersession History 1. PPM#FR II-12, issued 01/01/2007 2. PPM#FR II-12, issued 06/01/2011 3. PPM#FR II-12, issued 12/21/2011 4. PPM#FR B-101, clerical 03/01/2018 5. PPM#FR B-101, issued 4/12/2022 FR-B-105/Page 3 of 3