Should Backyard Fires Be Allowed in Ferndale?

There may be good news on the horizon for Ferndale residents who enjoy backyard campfires.

The city currently prohibits all open burning, including fire pits, but officials are working on changing that.

At the Ferndale City Council meeting on Monday, resident Ben Updyke told council members that he has regularly burned wood in an enclosed fire pit outside his home for the past five years, but that a fire official arrived at his house Saturday evening unbeknownst to him and put out his backyard fire with a garden hose.

He said he has learned of the city's open-burn ordinance and hopes council will revisit the issue, possibly allowing for burning firewood inside of enclosed fire pits.

"I'm wondering if we can take a second look at that," he said.

Ferndale Mayor Dave Coulter told Updyke his comments are very timely because an ordinance change is already in the works. The new ordinance would allow fire pits with some regulations and restrictions.

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

The city's attorney, Dan Christ, said an ordinance draft has been provided to the Ferndale Fire Department and a proposed ordinance should be presented at council's next meeting Oct. 8.

What do you think?

Do you think Ferndale should allow fire pits? Did you know they were illegal in the city? Tell us in the comments section below.