Fire Pits / Outdoor Fireplaces
- Fire pits in Ridley Park must have a screen covering –
there is an ordinance against open burning in the borough. - Fire pits should have at least 3 feet of open space in every direction
(check for low-hanging branches from above) - An operating garden hose must be within 5 feet of the fire.
- Don’t use a fire pit when winds are exceeding 5mph.
A large number of calls for RPFD this time of year are the results of fire pits. In some cases, neighbors who are bothered by the smoke will regularly call 9-1-1 to report “smoke in the area” in the hopes that the Fire Company will settle the dispute over the fire pit for them. In other cases, those using the fire pit do a poor job extinguishing the fire before going to bed. The smoldering fire then sends smoke throughout the neighborhood and concerned neighbors call 9-1-1.
Please, if you use a fire pit, be sure to thoroughly extinguish the fire. If you’re bothered by smoke from a neighbor’s fire pit, please discuss it with your neighbor to find a solution (such as relocating the pit or compromising on what days and times they’ll use it) rather than repeatedly calling in anonymous false alarms to the area.
Mulch and Cigarettes Do Not Mix…..
RPFD has had several brush fires lately resulting from cigarette butts carelessly tossed into the landscaping outside of business. It's very easy to start fires this way, and the smokers are always long gone, having no idea of the damage they’ve left behind. Please, dispose your cigarettes responsibly.
