Fire Pits
Hesston Fire/EMS is dedicated to ensuring that open burning is done safely through reducing risk of fire spread and following best safety practices. Many people have fire pits at their homes and use them for entertaining, but it is important you know the rules and risks associated with recreational burning. Below you will find information and safety tips regarding open burning and the use of fire pits. If you have any further questions after reading this, please feel free to contact us.
Fire Pit Information
- Portable outdoor fireplaces (fire pits) shall be used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
- A spark arrestor screen shall be used to prevent embers from escaping.
- They shall not be operated within 15 feet of a structure or combustible materials.
- Any fire shall be constantly attended until the fire is extinguished.
- On site extinguishing equipment shall be available and ready for immediate use before any fire is ignited.
- The burning of trash, yard waste or construction lumber is not permitted.
- Fires shall not be initiated during a time when a burn ban is in effect. If you need to know if there is a burn ban, you can call 911 for confirmation.
- Fires shall not be constructed when wind conditions are such that they pose a high potential for fire spread.
- Wind direction should also be accounted for to avoid potential smoke spread to neighboring areas, which could be determined to be a nuisance.
- If smoke spread causes complaints to be received, representatives from Hesston Fire/EMS will be dispatched to ensure that fire has been extinguished.
- Recreational fires (fires not in a container such as a fire pit or chiminea) shall be unlawful within city limits unless inspected and authorized by the Chief of Hesston Fire/EMS or designee prior to burning.
- Do not wear loose fitting clothing when operating a fire pit.
- Keep children and pets at least 3 feet away from a fire pit.
- Never use gasoline or other flammable or combustible liquids to ignite or reignite a fire.
- Remember that coals and ashes from a fire can remain hot enough to reignite and start a fire for many days after. Leave only when the ashes are completely cool.
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