Council rescinds backyard burn ban
POTTSTOWN » With a unanimous vote July 10, borough council rescinded its ban on backyard burning, now allowing it in properly arranged fire pits and portable fireplaces.
The vote came after input from four people — two who supported the move and two who opposed it.
At the July 5 work session, Mervine Street resident Jay Templin, a biology professor at Montgomery County Community College, spoke out against rescinding the ban.
He said the smoke from a wood fire is more dangerous than cigarette smoke and contains many carcinogens.
“This provides not one positive thing for the community,” he said.
But on July 10, Ryan Clifford told council that having a backyard fire “can be a positive family experience” and said he supports rescinding the ban.
Also speaking in support was Eric Daeger, who said he has lived in Pottstown for 13 years and appreciates council’s decision to rescind the ban.
Michaelle Chasin, Templin’s wife, who spoke July 5 and 10 against allowing the fires.
Chasin said she has had bad experiences with a neighbor’s fire pit, that the smoke permeates her house, particularly when it is humid and does not rise up.
She spoke until Council President Dan Weand informed her curtly that her three minutes to speak had expired.
Fire Chief Michael Lessar Jr., who first brought the matter to borough council last month, said there are still restrictions on backyard fires, including that the flame should be no more than two feet high.
And its best to set up a portable fire place at least 15 feet from any combustible material, he said.
According to an announcement posted on the Facebook page of the Phillies Fire Company, “recreational fires” should be 25 feet from a structure or combustible material to prevent it from spreading accidentally.
Smoke or odor that enters a neighbor’s home can be cause for the fire to be extinguished, particularly if the caller to 9-11 leaves their name and address, said Lessar.
“If we start to see that we’re having fires caused by this, I’ll be back before you to go another rule,” Lessar told council.
What the rescinding of the ordinances does not do, he said, is allow residents to burn their trash, leaves, yard waste or construction materials.
That remains illegal.