Dear Editor:
Members of the Curwensville Borough Council must look harder at its writing of an open burning ordinance. It appears as though some areas of concern are being overlooked, including:
(a) the distance between dwellings/ structures and the fire pit/burning apparatus.
(b) the type of materials that are permitted to be burned.
(c) the implementation of an emergency action plan in case an open burn turns into a catastrophic event.
(d) the requirement of fire control, such as a fire extinguisher/water supply within the fire burn area.
(e) the communication with emergency personnel in case a medical emergency occurs due to an individual’s exposure to smoke, fumes, gases, etc. emitted from the burning material.
(f) the implementation of a Safety Zone around or from dwellings and structures, enabling residents to have their windows doors, etc. open without having smoke, fumes, gases, etc. entering their homes.
(g) the damage to structures, furnishings, etc. from smoke, sparks, fumes, gases, etc. emitted from these types of fires and their proximity to surrounding dwellings or structures.
(h) the requirement of the fire chief, code enforcement official or some other official to inspect open burn locations for compliance.
I have in my immediate case propane tanks beside the burn areas within close range on grills that vent in hot weather and could cause an explosion. Combustive or explosive materials should never be permitted in or around a burn area.
All of you need to realize there is much more to this ordinance than “burn baby burn.” Don’t let a catastrophic event occur before you all make a decision.
Sincerely yours,
Tommy Wingard