Section 2.095.  LIMITATIONS ON OPEN BURNING.

(1)        Other than as authorized by section 2.09 of this Chapter, no person shall cause or permit the burning of any substance or material outdoors, within the Village of River Hills, with the following exceptions:

[a]        Fires used for cooking on grills, fireplaces, or otherwise contained and controlled for cooking purposes.

[b]        Fires set for practice and instruction of firemen or testing of fire fighting equipment.

[c]        Small open flames or fires for welding, acetylene torches, safety flares, heating tar, or similar applications.

[d]       Small open flames or fires used in making street repairs, installation or repair of sewers, water, electric, telephone mains and services, and similar activities.

[e]        Small bonfires and gas fire features for cooking, or recreation are allowed provided that the fire is confined by a control device, structure or other device specifically designed for that use such as a fire pit, masonry barbeque pit, chimenea, outdoor fireplace or similar device or as approved by the village and the fire department.  The maximum open burn area is 33 inches in diameter or six square feet.  All of the above must be configured to prevent sparks from becoming readily airborne and to ensure all hot embers are confined to prevent the spread of fire.  Only untreated or uncontaminated wood shall be burned.  Open burning structures that are elevated off the ground more than 18 inches require approval from the Building Board.

Small bonfires for cooking, or recreation under this section shall only be conducted at a location not closer than 25 feet from the nearest building, accessory structure, fence, deck or any other combustible surface.  Any open burning of this type shall be constantly attended and supervised by competent persons of at least 18 years of age; this includes the time from ignition until the fire is extinguished. These persons shall have readily available for use such fire extinguishing equipment as may be necessary for the total control and extinguishment of the fire (i.e., garden hoses that are connected and charged, five-gallon buckets of water or other suitable extinguishing method).

[f]        Permanent outdoor gas fire features may be utilized for open burning upon compliance with all applicable codes and standards, including securing all permits and permissions from the village and fire department. Fuel for this type of fire shall only be those designated for the appliance. The appliance shall have an enclosure that is permanently anchored to the exterior of the fire feature.  Fire features shall not be located closer than 25 feet from the nearest building, accessory structure, fence, deck or any other combustible surface and shall be used on a non-combustible, safe and level surface. No combustible materials shall be allowed within five feet of the appliance. Features must be located a minimum of ten feet from building air intakes or other openings. Any open burning of this type shall be constantly attended and supervised by competent persons of at least 18 years of age; this includes the time from ignition until the fire is extinguished. These persons shall have readily available for use such fire extinguishing equipment as may be necessary for the total control and extinguishment of the fire (i.e., a garden hose(s) that are connected and charged, five-gallon buckets of water or other suitable extinguishing method). A timer shall be installed allowing a maximum of sixty (60) minutes burn time, and control systems shall have safeguards to automatically shut off gas once the set time expires.  The igniter shall be secured to prevent unauthorized persons from igniting the burner.  A visible emergency shut-off shall be provided within reach.

[g]        No hibachi, gas fired grill, charcoal grill, electric grill or other similar device used for cooking shall be used or kindled above grade level, on any balcony or under any overhanging portion or within ten feet of any structure, from any combustible material, combustible wall or partition, exterior window opening, exit access or exit. All other types of open burning at one- and two-family dwellings shall comply with the provisions of this section.

(2)        All open burning shall be conducted in a safe, pollution free manner and in conformance with the general regulations of the River Hills Police Department and North Shore Fire Department.  (Rep. & Rec. Ord. 552, 3/9/22)