Spring is definitely coming

A warning from CPD about yard clean-up

 

You know that spring is coming when our local officials remind us of the hazards of outdoor burning. The Charlestown Police Department posted a notice on its Facebook page reminding Charlestown residents of the regulations governing the outdoor burning of leaves, brush and other yard detritus.

Here’s their warning:

Charlestown Fire District Open Burning Guidelines & RIDEM Open Burning Laws

OPEN BURNING:

1. Open burning of any type requires a written permit from the Director of the Department of Environmental Management, or his or her authorized agent. Contact your local Fire Department, on the non-emergency line (not 911)for the burning agent nearest you.

2. In all instances fires must be attended until fully extinguished.

3. The material to be burned shall be clean brush or untreated wood.

4. Absolutely no hazardous materials.

5. Permits can only be issued to residential homeowners. Commercial and industrial operations are not permitted to burn.

PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS:

1. Fines of not less than $10.00 nor more than $100.00 or imprisonment for not more than 30 days nor less than 10 days or both.

2. Liability for all damages and suppression cost in fighting a resulting fire.

In addition to the above laws/regulations set forth by the RI Department of Environmental Management, the Charlestown Fire District requires the following guidelines be followed:

The Charlestown Fire District allows open burning with permission as per the guidelines set by the State of RI Department of Environmental Management and the Charlestown Fire District. 

1. To be considered a permissible fire, said permission with name and address must be recorded at the Charlestown Police/Fire/Rescue dispatch center.

2. This permission can only be extended to residential homeowners and not commercial operations.

3. The material burned must be clean wood or light vegetation and no materials can be burned for demolition or disposal purposes.

4. Burning, with permission, must be done during times of proper atmospheric conditions.

5. Open fires used for outdoor cooking, bona fide campfires and open fires for which permits have been issued by authorized personnel of the Charlestown Fire District are allowed, provided such fires are contained in such a manner that they do not cause noxious emissions upon the property of others.

6. All fires must be attended while they are burning and must be completely extinguished and wet down when done.

7. Any fire unattended or not contained in a proper manner will be cause for the fire to be extinguished regardless if a permit had been issued.

8. Any fire causing detectable noxious emissions upon the property of others will be cause for the fire to be extinguished regardless if a permit had been issued, if that property owner requests such.

The Charlestown Fire District requires that all persons wishing to burn obtain permission prior to burning regardless of weather conditions, time of year, or the size of the fire. This will allow the police/fire/rescue dispatcher to have a record of the burning permit and reduce the possibility of emergency apparatus responding to a permitted fire.

To obtain a burning permit, or inquire about the regulations, contact the Charlestown Fire Chief at, (401) 641-1488. If unavailable, contact the dispatch center at, (401)364-1212 and request the names and contact numbers of other fire officers who can assist you.