Campfire feud sparks Nuisance Order debate
A question regarding outdoor burning regulations in Geneva shined a spotlight on the Town’s Nuisance order kicked off the Town Council meeting on Tuesday night, which returned to the typical council chambers on the Town Hall’s lower level for the first time since the pandemic. Town residents Bob Elzey and Theresa Cox presented a question regarding recreational fires.
Elzey explained that he and his wife were having a fire on their property and Cox, who is their neighbor, requested that the fire be moved since it was too close to her property. Cox explained that she offered to help him move the ring, but that his fire was probably ten feet from her property, and only a couple feet from her roof.
The nuisance order explains under the “Outdoor Burning Regulations” in section (a) (3) that “Fires used for recreational and cooking purposes, i.e. camp fires,” are permitted subject to limitations. The limitations however, in section (b)(8) states that “No burning shall be conducted within 100 feet of a structure owned by another party.” Cox also accused Elzey for leaving the fire unattended, which would violate section (b)(2) which states that, “fires shall be attended at all times until completely extinguished.
Fire Chief Gabe Schwartz explained that, after law enforcement consultation, the fire would’ve been put out.
Elzey contested that 100 feet was too large a distance for almost anybody in the Town with a fire circle to have a fire since most houses are within the stated distance, and this was met with agreement from councilman Gary Hendershot.
“In my neighborhood almost everybody has a fire ring,” said the councilman, “there is probably one within 20 feet of a funeral home.” Hendershot explained that he is more concerned about brush and trash burning compared to fire circle camp fires.
Councilman Marvin Schwartz and Town Attorney Dave Baumgartner explained that there is currently a committee looking through the Nuisance Ordinance, and that the whole legislation could be completely overhauled and remodeled.
“We are discovering some weaknesses in the ordinance,” said Baumgartner, “it’s going to be reviewed and made more specific.” The next Geneva Town Hall Meeting will be November 8th at 6:30 p.m.