City of Erie’s Summer Fire Safety
Summer is the time to be mindful that the City of Erie has strict ordinances about burning that are meant to prevent dangerous fires and protect you, your family and your neighbors.
SECTION 307 OPEN BURNING, RECREATIONAL FIRES AND PORTABLE OUTDOOR FIREPLACES
307.1.1. Prohibited open burning. Open burning shall be prohibited when atmospheric conditions or local circumstances make such fires hazardous. Open burning shall also be prohibited when winds are gusting to or sustained at 10mph.
307.4.2. Recreational fires. Recreational fires shall not be conducted within 25 feet (7620 mm) of a structure or combustible material. Conditions that could cause a fire to spread within 25 feet (7620 mm) of a structure shall be eliminated prior to ignition.
307.4.3. Portable outdoor fireplaces. Portable outdoor fireplaces shall be used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and shall not be operated within 15 feet (3048 mm) of a structure or combustible material.
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 or water truck, shall be available for immediate utilization. Residents are permitted to burn only dry “seasoned” firewood in approved containers such as a metal or masonry fire ring, portable outdoor fireplace, or Chiminea. Hand dug fire pits, burn barrels, or containers not normally used for recreational fires are not permitted. Recreational burning shall be permitted between the hours of 5pm to 11pm on week days (Monday through Thursday), 5pm until 12am on weekends (Friday through Sunday) and federally observed holidays.
City of Erie – Quality of Life Ticketing Program
QOL-31 • Illegal Burning. It shall be prohibited for any person to kindle or maintain any bonfire or rubbish fire, or authorize the same, without first obtaining a permit from the City or other proper authorization. When properly authorized, bonfires shall not be kindled or maintained outside private property lines. No person shall be permitted to burn garbage, recyclable materials, leaf waste or grass clippings at any time within the City. During construction or demolition of a building or structure no waste materials or rubbish shall be disposed of by burning on the premises or in the immediate vicinity without first obtaining a permit or other proper authorization.
Penalties – repeat offenders will be fined for failure to follow the burning ordinance.