Resolution Relating to

RESOLUTION________

ALLOW PERMITS FOR SAFE OPERATION
OF CONTAINED OUTDOOR FIRES DURING
COVID-19 WINTER

Sponsor(s): Councilors Shannon, Paul,
Mason, Carpenter
Introduced: ____________________
Referred to: ____________________
______________________________
Action: ________________________
Date: __________________________
Signed by Mayor: ________________

CITY OF BURLINGTON
In the year Two Thousand Twenty …………………………………………………………………………
Resolved by the City Council of the City of Burlington, as follows:
1

That

2

avoid spreading disease; and

3
4

WHEREAS, with winter approaching it will become increasingly challenging for people to continue to
socialize outside in the cold weather; and

5
6

WHEREAS, during the COVID-19 pandemic, residents have been encouraged to socialize outside to

WHEREAS, outdoor socializing could be extended with the use of outdoor fires or heating devices,
and

7

WHEREAS, fire safety in the City remains a primary concern; and

8

WHEREAS, residents with breathing issues may be negatively impacted by outdoor fires; and

9

WHEREAS, the negative impacts of outdoor fires may be minimized during the winter when most

10
11
12

residents are inside with windows closed; and
WHEREAS, our current fire safety ordinance (BCO § 13-3(b)) does allow for the Chief of the Fire
Department to issue permits for building an outdoor fire in a fireplace or receptacle; and

13

WHEREAS, such permits have not been made available to residents;

14

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council hereby requests the Fire Chief

15

establish a process whereby residents can apply for a seasonal permit from November 1, 2020 to April 30,

16

2021 to burn clean, dry firewood outdoors if they meet criteria established by the Burlington Fire Chief; and

17
18

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Council suggests to the Fire Chief that the following
conditions be considered in establishing rules for permits:

19

1. Fires shall be contained in fire safe receptacles as determined by the Fire Chief;

20

2. The fire shall be continuously attended;

21

3. A water source must be readily available at all times;

22

4. Burning of non-wood materials, painted wood, or treated wood is prohibited;

23

5. The fire must be a minimum distance (established by Fire Chief) from any structure, fence, or

24

property line;

25

6. The container must be located on a non-combustible surface;

26

7. Fires must be fully extinguished by 10:00 p.m.;

 Page 2
Resolution Relating to

ALLOW PERMITS FOR SAFE OPERATION OF CONTAINED
OUTDOOR FIRES DURING COVID-19 WINTER

27

8. Neighbor complaints may result in the termination of the permit; and

28

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a reasonable permit fee may be established by the Board of

29

Finance for a Contained Outdoor Fire Permit.

30
31
32
33

lb/JSJ/Resolutions 2020/City Council – Allow Permits for Safe Operation of Outdoor Fires during COVID-19 Winter
10/1/20