In the fall of 2012 the City of Newton changed the city’s burning regulations. The Newton Fire Department would like to remind the residents of the changes and what is and is not allowed to be burned within the city limits.
Open Burning is Not Allowed
Included, but not limited to: Burning leaves or brush piles, landscape waste (including garden waste), garbage, tires or rubber products, paint or used oil, plastic, and any household material that can be recycled.
Exception: Single family homes on properties of one acre or larger and the landscape waste is generated on said property. The area intended to be burned shall be at least 200 feet from any inhabitable structure. A Burning Permit must be obtained from the Newton Fire Department prior to burning. There is no fee for the permit.
Recreational Fires
Recreational fires are permitted as long as they are a minimum 25 feet away from a structure or combustible material.
Exception: One- and two-family dwellings. Campgrounds that meet applicable zoning requirements for the City of Newton and Meet NFPA 1194 Standards Recreational Vehicle Parks and Campgrounds, Section 6.1.6 Campfire locations.
Fires shall be no larger than 4 feet in diameter and flames shall be no larger than 2 feet high and be contained in a non-combustible ring.
A portable fire extinguisher or other equipment, such as a garden hose must be readily available.
Fires shall be constantly attended until fire is extinguished.
No burning is permitted if wind speed exceeds 15 mph.
Fuel shall be limited to natural grown forms of wood-dried, split or sawn to lengths no greater than 4 feet. No processed wood such as 2-by-4s, pallets, building materials, etc. may be burned.
If any neighbor experiences breathing or physical discomfort due to smoke generated, the fire must be extinguished.
Portable Outdoor Fireplaces/Open-Flame Cooking Devices
Portable outdoor fireplaces, charcoal burners and other open-flame cooking devices shall be used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Portable outdoor fireplaces shall not be operated within 15 feet of a structure or combustible material. The same rules apply as with recreational fires. Charcoal burners and other open-flame cooking devices shall not be operated on combustible balconies or within ten feet of combustible construction.
Exceptions:
• One- and two-family dwellings.
• Where buildings, balconies and decks are protected with an automatic sprinkler system.
• LP-gas cooking devices having LP-gas containers with a water capacity not greater than 2 ½ pounds [nominal 1-pound LP-gas capacity].