Fall 2002 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

~ ~ CLEARING THE AIR ON SMOKE AND FIRE Fire Department 115 Fifth Street West Hastings, MN 55033 Fire Chief: Mark Holmes Non-Emergency: 437-5610 Emergency: 911 Open burning is defined in Minnesota State Statute 88.01 Subd. 23, as '~ fire burning whether concentrated or dispersed, which is not contained within a fully enclosed fire box, structure, or vehicle and from which the products of combustion are emitted directly to the open atmosphere without passing through a stack, duct or chimney." Open burning is not allowed within the corporate limits of the City of Hastings. Any burning, regardless of how or where it occurs, for the purpose of eliminating trash, garbage, construction debris, yard waste and other refuse is also illegal. Recreational fires (camp fires) are permitted, provided all of the following requirements are met: The fire is for recreational or ceremonial purposes. Is a minimum of 25 feet from a structure or other combustible material (wood fences, decks, woodpiles and the like). Is contained by a ring or other non-combustible structure to prevent spreading. Is no larger than three feet in diameter with flames extending no higher than three feet. Recreational or campfires are not allowed in city parks or other property unless a permanent containment device is in place for that purpose. Permission of the property owner has been obtained. Firefighting equipment, such as garden hoses, shovels, buckets or a fire extinguisher with a minimum rating of 4A is/are available and the fire is constantly attended by a person knowledgeable in their use/so Only clean, untreated lumber, timber/tree branches, without any leaves or charcoal may be used as fuel; paper may only be used to start the fire. Is fully extinguished prior to leaving the site, thoroughly wet and stir the ashes to ensure that the fire is out. Outdoor incinerators or patio fireplaces are increasing in popularity. These devices have a burning chamber which is enclosed on three sides and a short chimney to route smoke upward. Keep in mind that sparks and embers may be emitted from the front opening or chimney, therefore placement of these units must be on a masonry or other non-combustible outdoor surface and no closer than 10 feet from any structure and all other recreational fire rules apply. Although recreational fires are legal, they must not be offensive to others. Examples of an offensive recreational fire are smoke, embers or odors traveling to a neighboring property. If a legal fire is found to be offensive, a public nuisance citation may be issued. Remember that your neighbor may have a health problem or other sensitivity that causes them to be intolerable to smoke or its odors. Visit Hastings History- Visit the Hastings Pioneer Room The City of Hastings has publicly demonstrated its support for providing local historical resources to its citizens by funding the Pioneer Room. The Pioneer Roo m includes a wide variety of historical Hastings collections, including: Over 2,000 historic photos of Hastings people & places, sorted by subject; Over 600 books, including 200 on Minnesota & Mississippi River history; Maps of Hastings, throughout its growth & development; Information on our historic buildings & residences; Newspaper archives about Hastings & its residents; Vintage clothing, including dresses, hats, and jewelry; and Genealogical research records, including obituaries, marriages, and cemetery records. Come & visit the Pioneer Room- living and re-living Hastings' history. The Pioneer Room is located on the first floor of City Hall, 101 Fourth Street East, and is open from 8:00 a.m. -4:30 p.m. on Mondays & Wednesdays, and from 8:00 -12:00 noon on Thursdays. The Pioneer Room Curator is Cindy Thury Smith and she can be reached at 480- 2367. Page 7 Fall 2002