Nah…it just happened that the first snowfall of the year was on Halloween! It created a stunning landscape but while it melted, it also brought down a significant portion of fall foliage. Residents are reminded to follow Burn Ordinance 4-2-3 International Fire Code and 7-2-4 Refuse Piles. The links provide the code in its entirety but here are some key points to remember:

🚫 Open burning shall not be utilized for waste disposal purposes, shall be of the minimum size for the intended purpose and the fuel shall be chosen to minimize the generation and emission of air contaminants. The code official shall prohibit open burning which will be offensive or objectionable due to smoke or odor emissions when atmospheric conditions or local circumstances make such fires hazardous. The code official shall order the extinguishment, by the property owner or the fire department, of any open burning which creates or adds to a hazardous or objectionable situation.

🔥 A bonfire, whether it is for recreational purposes, disposal of landscape, etc., shall not be more than 5’ x 5’ x 5’ in dimension and shall not burn longer than 3 hours in any 24 hour period from the start of the bonfire. No bonfire shall be started or maintained other than between the hours of 10:00 A.M. to 10:00 P.M.

🧯 Any open burning shall be constantly attended by the resident of the premises with a shovel or a rake until the fire is extinguished. At least one portable fire extinguisher with a minimum 4-A rating, two portable fire extinguishers with a minimum 2-A rating each, or other approved on-site fire-extinguishing equipment, such as a garden hose attached to a water barrel, water truck or other method of water supply shall be available for immediate utilization.

🔥 No more than one bonfire shall occur at any one time on the premises. Bonfires on any property shall be maintained in the same location on the premises throughout the year.

🚒 The location for any open burning shall not be less than 100 feet from any structure and provisions shall be made to prevent the fire from spreading to within 100 feet of any structure. Fires in approved containers shall be permitted, provided that such fires are not less than 15 feet from any structure.

🍂 Fuel for a bonfire shall consist only of seasoned dry firewood, landscape waste, or untreated or unpainted lumber or scrap wood which is produced or obtained for use on the premises where the materials are burned. The fuel shall be ignited with a small quantity of paper. The fire shall not be used for any other waste or refuse disposal purposes and the fuel shall be chosen to minimize the generation and emission of air contaminants.

Let’s all be respectful of our neighbors, the environment and the law, and in doing so, solidifying the Barrington Hills unique and harmonious lifestyle.