No person, firm, or corporation shall build any outdoor fire within the corporate limits of the City of Galesville excepting as set forth in Subsection (b) of this Section.

Exceptions.

  1. Outdoor cooking over a fire contained in a device or structure designed for such use is permissible;
  2. Controlled burning of grass or similar vegetation for environmental management purposes, with the prior written approval of the Fire Chief, may be permitted;
  3. Ceremonial campfire or bonfires, with prior written approval of the Fire Chief, may be permitted;
  4. Controlled burning of dry leaves and other non-offensive dry yard debris during the periods of April 1 through May 31, and October 1 through November 30 of each year, provided, however, that such burning is:
    1. Monitored by a responsible person until the fire has extinguished itself completely;
    2. Conducted on days when excessive wind or atmospheric conditions will not result in danger to public health or safety;
    3. Located off the public street pavement or street gutter;
    4. Located at least thirty (30) feet from any neighboring residence;
    5. Not used for covert incineration of offensive substances or materials;
  5. Other occasions of desirable outdoor burning not specified by this Subsection, but not as an alternative to refuse removal or disposal of which other methods are available, may be granted single occasion approval as in Subsections (2) and (3) above.
  6. Whenever approval and special permit are granted by the Fire Chief under Subsection (b)(2), (3) and (5) of this Section, the permit may specify and be conditioned on observance of safety restrictions and insurance requirements set forth therein.
  7. Fire pits are allowed as long as the fire is contained in a manufactured freestanding fire pit, ring or pit not to exceed three (3) feet in diameter. Fire pits that are dug into the ground should be lined on the outside of the pit with gravel, brick, concrete or rock to prevent the spread of flames across the ground. All fire rings or pits should be placed at a safe distance from any structure or combustibles, such as houses, garages, sheds, wood piles and wooden fences. Only natural firewood cut in short lengths less than two feet may be burned. [Amended 9/11/2008]

Chief May Prohibit. The Fire Chief is permitted to prohibit any or all bonfires and outdoor rubbish fires when atmospheric conditions or local circumstances make such fires hazardous.

Burning on Streets. No materials may be burned upon any street, curb, gutter or sidewalk.

Liability. Persons utilizing and maintaining outdoor fires shall be responsible for any liability resulting from damage caused by his fire.