Regarding Open burning for recreational purposes, below are general directions and precautions. To review the complete law, read Chapter 3 of the International Fire Code. For more information, please contact Bob Neff, Fire Code Official, at (570) 748-6462.
The City of Lock Haven permits limited recreational fires with restrictions (see below).
- A recreational fire is an outdoor fire burning materials other than rubbish that must be 3 feet or less in diameter and 2 feet or less in height for use for pleasure, religious, ceremonial, cooking, warmth or similar purposes (F302.1).
- Recreational fires must be farther away than 25 feet of a structure of combustible material. Conditions which could cause a fire to spread within 25 feet of a structure must be eliminated prior to ignition (F307.4.2).
- Open burning shall be constantly attended until the fire is extinguished. A minimum of one portable fire extinguisher or other approved on-site fire-extinguishing equipment must be available for immediate utilization (F307.5).
- Please be aware: Open burning that is offensive or objectionable because of smoke or odor emissions shall be prohibited (F307.1.1). In addition the burning of any ashes, garbage, leaves, municipal waste refuse, riffraff or trash is prohibited by any occupant, owner or tenant (City Code 340-11)
- Penalty for Violations. Any person who shall violate any of the provisions of this code or fail to comply with any order issued to pursuant to any Section hereof, shall be, upon conviction thereof, sentenced to pay a fine of not more than $1,000 plus costs and, in default of payment of said fine and costs, to a term of imprisonment not to exceed 30 days. Each day that a violation continues after due notice has been served shall be deemed a separate offense (City of Lock Haven Code §290).
- For more information, please contact Bob Neff, Fire Code Official, at (570) 748-6462.