Backyard Fires on Ferndale City Council's Agenda Tonight

Ferndale City Council will consider a proposed ordinance amendment on Monday that would allow residents to have backyard fires as long as they follow certain guidelines.

The city of Ferndale currently has a ban on all open burning, including fire pits.

The issue was discussed briefly at council's last meeting on Sept. 24 when a resident asked about a possible change to the ordinance during public comment. Ferndale Mayor Dave Coulter said an ordinance change was already in the works that would allow fire pits with some regulations and restrictions.

"It won't be the outright ban that we have now," Coulter said at the meeting. "The ordinance itself is being reviewed as we speak."

That proposed ordinance amendment is on the agenda for tonight's council meeting, which will be held at 7:30 p.m. on Monday at Ferndale City Hall.

The proposed ordinance

"People are and have been burning regardless of the current law, so let’s make it legal and safe by permit under an ordinance that allows for regulation and enforcement," the background summary to the amendment proposal reads in part. "The Fire Department with the City Attorney believes we have accomplished that with this ordinance amendment."

Under the proposed ordinance amendment, residents must get an annual building permit (proposed fee at $25) for any patio wood-burning unit or campfire.

The ordinance would prohibit the burning of trash, brush, leaves and grass clippings; only clean wood could be used. It states that backyard fires "shall not cause a nuisance to neighbors" and can only be between the hours of 11 a.m. and 1 a.m. You can read the full proposed ordinance here.

What do you think?

Patch readers recently shared their views here on whether backyard fires should be allowed in the city.

What do you think of the proposed ordinance? Do you hope it passes? Tell us in the comments section below.