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Open Burning/Recreational Fires/Fire Pits

The College is currently developing a policy for the use of fire pits at our theme houses and other specifically identified locations on campus. Currently the policy for an open fire requires Campus Safety be notified and a determination will be made if a permit is required from the City of Sioux Falls for the burn. 

If you live off-campus and own a fire pit you must follow the City of Sioux Falls Administration Policy for Open Burning/Recreational Fires:

I.  Purpose:

A.  To establish policy for permit required open burning and recreational fire complaint response in accordance with adopted fire code.

II.  General Instructions:

A.  In accordance with the International Fire Code, 2009 Edition, Section 307 Open Burning, Recreational Fires, and Portable Outdoor Firplaces, the following shall be used as reference to permit issuance and engine company response:
 
Definitions:
 
Bonfire - An outdoor fire utilized for ceremonial purposes.  (IFC 302.1)
For the purpose of code interpretation and application, a bonfire is further defined as a wood fueled fire exceeding 3 feet diameter.  A bonfire may or may not be contained within the confines of a pit.
 
1.  A permit is required for open burning for the purpose of recognized silvicultural or range or wildfire management practices, prevention and control
          of disease or pests, or a bonfire. (IFC 105.6.30 and IFC 307.2)
  • Issuance of a permit for this type of open burning will be limited and issued on a case-by-case basis.
  • Stand-by personnel and equipment may be required for permit issued burns at the expense of the permit holder.
  • Stand-by personnel and equipment requirements will be based on teh nature of the burn and determined at such time of permit application.
  • If dispatched to a fire of this nature, ensure a permit has been obtained.
  • Where no permit can be produced, extinguishment of the fire shall be the course of action.
  • Where a permit has been obtained and circumstances indicate a hazardous or objectionable situation, extinguishment may be necessary and will be determined by the reporting engine company officer.
  • Flag the incident report for follow-up by FPD or, if the situation warrants, request the on-call inspector.
2.  A permit is not required for recreational fires. (IFC 105.6.30)  Recreational fires chall meet the following:
  • Recreational fires must be contained in an earthen pit with sidewalls, fireplace, commercial grill, or device, which will contain the fire.
  • Recreational fire fuel arrangements shall not exceed 3 feet in diameter or 2 feet in height.
  • Fires must be a minimum of 15 feet from a structure and/or combustibles.
  • Fires must be attended until extinguished.
  • Only firewood or charcola may be burned.  Nothing shall be burned in violation of City Health code 19-50 (13) (14).
  • Property owners must have knowledge of, and authorize, the activity.
  • A minimum of one portable fire extinguisher with a minimum 4-A rating or other approved on-site fire extinguisher equipment, such as dirt, sand, water barrel, garden hose or water truck, shall be available for immediate utilization.
  • A fire contained within a barbeque grill arrangement used for the sole purpose of cooking is not a recreational fire. 
3.  The engine company officer shall require recreational fires to be immediately extinguished when complaints are received via 9-1-1 (Metro
          Communications).
 
A variety of type and styles of recreational fireplaces are available for public purchase.  Use of these is legal when the preceding guidelines are adhered to.
 
HEALTH CODE
 
Section 19-56 Smoke Nuisance.
No person shall construct, maintain, or use an incinerator, smokestack or chimney unless such shall be so constructed, operated, or used so that sparks, cinders, coal ashes, smoke or fumes therefrom shall not become injurious or dangerous to the health, comfort or to the property of individuals or the public, nor materially impair the comfort of persons or the value of property within the city.
 
Section 10-50 Illustrative enumeration.
Prohibited-
(13)  Bonfires.  Burning, causing or permitting to be burned without an approved incinerator upon any private or public property any dirt, filth, manure, garbage, sweepings, leaves, ashes, paper, waste or rubbish of any kind.
 
(14)  Burning of garbage.  Burning up on any private or public property any garbage, offal, excrement, fresh or decaying fruits, vegetables, fishm meat or bonem or any foul, putrid or obnoxious liquid or substance.