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GENERAL FIRE SAFETY GUIDELINES FOR RECREATIONAL FIRES, THE USE OF PORTABLE OUTDOOR FIREPLACES & THE USE OF OUTDOOR NATURAL GAS OR LP-GAS FIRE PITS INTRODUCTION: • This document defines general fire safety guidelines for residents choosing to have a fire in a portable outdoor fireplace, controlled recreational fire, or use a gas-fueled fire pit on their property. • The International Fire Code does not apply to the use of portable outdoor fireplaces, recreational fires, or gas-fueled fire pits at one-and-two family dwellings; therefore, the City of Lafayette Fire Department does not regulate their use. • Other entities (EPA, Health Departments, State, Homeowners’ Associations, Police Departments, Insurance Companies, etc.) may have their own requirements not listed in this document, please consult the appropriate entity for further guidance. FIRE RISK MANAGEMENT: • The party utilizing portable outdoor fireplaces, recreational fires, or gas-fueled fire pits is responsible for confirming that their activity does not conflict with other entities' requirements or restrictions. Contacting your insurance company regarding these types of fires on your property is recommended. • Any person who starts a fire is responsible for all suppression costs and possible liability from damage caused by the fire. • You should burn only under ideal conditions and with the necessary precautions to safely and effectively control the fire and prevent its escape. BURN PERMITS: • The City of Lafayette Fire Department does not issue burn permits. • Open burning other than fire department managed controlled burns is PROHIBITED. BURN RESTRICTIONS: • Boulder County issues burn restrictions. Information can be found at this website: WEATHER: • Wind speed and direction are two of the most important factors to consider when deciding whether to start a fire. • Don’t start a fire when current or forecasted wind speeds exceed 10 miles per hour. Be sure you consider the potential for wind gusts, as they can create significant problems for control. If gusts are forecasted, don’t burn. • If you are burning, be sure to monitor the weather constantly and, if conditions change, extinguish your fire and wait for better and safer conditions. ---PAGE BREAK--- PERMISSIBLE FUELS: • Firewood and other natural vegetation may be burned in recreational fires and portable outdoor fireplaces. • Products specifically manufactured to assist with igniting fires may be used according to the instructions on the packaging, including fire logs. • Burning household goods, trash, or yard waste is PROHIBITED. • Use of gasoline and other flammable liquids is PROHIBITED. • Never burn construction materials like plywood, MDF, pressure-treated boards and posts, or chemically treated wood pallets. Construction lumber is treated with chemical resins, adhesives, and other substances that emit toxic fumes when burned. DISPOSAL OF YARD DEBRIS AND SLASH: • DO NOT BURN YARD WASTE, LANDSCAPE DEBRIS, OR SLASH IN THE CITY OF LAFAYETTE. • Visit this website to learn more about recycling yard waste: ATTENDANCE: All fires shall be attended by an adult who has access to a telephone to notify the fire department if a problem develops. This attendance shall be constant and continue until the fire is completely extinguished. Means of extinguishing the fire shall be always present and shall include at least one of the following: • A portable fire extinguisher with a minimum 5 lb. capacity and rated for class A hazards. • A garden hose with a spray nozzle and the valve opened (not recommended for LP-Gas fire pits). • A 5-gallon bucket of water or sand (with a shovel). EMERGENCY PROCEDURES: • If the fire extends beyond the area where you intended, call 911 IMMEDIATELY and report it! EXTINGUISHMENT AUTHORITY: • When a recreational fire or portable outdoor fireplace creates or adds to a hazardous situation, the City of Lafayette Police or Fire Department may order the extinguishment of the fire. PROPANE AND NATURAL GAS FIRE PITS AND FIRE TABLES: • Gas fire pits and fire tables are often safer than wood. • Ensure all manufacturer specifications regarding safe clearance and operation are followed properly • Your gas fire pit will need to be installed a minimum of ten feet away from any structure or combustible surface. Maintain this perimeter to ensure the safety of your space. • Trim back any low-hanging tree limbs or branches surrounding your fire pit. Keep patio furniture, cleaning products, play structures, or other flammable outdoor items at least ten feet away. ---PAGE BREAK--- • When installing your gas appliance, make sure all gas connections are leak tested. • Even though your gas fire pit doesn’t produce embers or ash, you’ll still need to keep it tidy and check the hole before each use. To keep it free from debris, keep it covered when not in use. • Keep all small children and family pets at least three feet away from your firepit. • Never use accelerants to start or grow a fire. • Close the natural gas or propane line connected to your firepit whenever it is not being used. ---PAGE BREAK--- RECREATIONAL FIRES Recreational Fire: An outdoor fire burning materials other than rubbish where the fuel being burned is not contained in an incinerator, outdoor fireplace, portable outdoor fireplace, barbeque grill, or barbeque pit and has a total fuel area of 3 feet or less in diameter and 2 feet or less in height for pleasure, religious, ceremonial, cooking, warmth or similar purposes. PORTABLE OUTDOOR FIREPLACE Portable Outdoor Fireplace: A portable, outdoor, solid-fuel-burning fireplace that may be constructed of steel, concrete, clay, or other noncombustible material. A portable outdoor fireplace may be open in design or may be equipped with a small hearth opening and a short chimney or chimney opening at the top. OUTDOOR NATURAL GAS OR LP-GAS DECORATIVE APPLIANCE Outdoor Natural Gas or LP-Gas Decorative Appliance: For outdoor recreation or heating we recommend a commercially manufactured, CSA/ANSI certified outdoor natural gas or LP-Gas decorative appliance. These appliances should be installed by an NFI Certified contractor. Outdoor decorative appliances must be used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions at all times. ---PAGE BREAK--- RECREATIONAL FIRE LOCATION Recreational fires are required to be a minimum of 25’ away from all combustible materials and structures, including houses, decks, fences, sheds, utility poles, etc. Other conditions which could cause a fire to spread to within 25’ of a structure shall be eliminated prior to ignition. This could necessitate mowing and watering grass, trimming trees and shrubs, etc. PORTABLE OUTDOOR FIREPLACE LOCATION Portable outdoor fireplaces are recommended to be operated at least 15’ away from structures and combustible materials. Portable outdoor fireplaces must be used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions at all times. OUTDOOR NATURAL GAS OR LP-GAS DECORATIVE APPLIANCE LOCATION ---PAGE BREAK--- Every outdoor decorative appliance is different, so you’ll need to refer to the manufacturer’s requirements before placing a fire pit on, around, or under any combustible surfaces, structures, or materials. In general, the required clearances are less than a wood burning fireplace or fire pit.