Sterling creates ordinance allowing recreational fires – and fines for violators

STERLING – Let the weenie roasts begin!

The City Council on Monday created an ordinance allowing and governing recreational fires within city limits.

Such fires technically weren’t permitted under city code, but were allowed under certain conditions.

By codifying those conditions, the city now has a means of enforcing them, meaning violators can be fined.

Under the new law, recreational fires will be allowed between 7 a.m. and 11 p.m. as long as the following regulations are followed:

• Dry sticks, limbs, logs, charcoal and propane may be burned. Garbage, trash, lumber, tires, construction and landscape waste, including leaves, may not be burned.

• Fires are allowed only when weather permits – burning will not be allowed when winds exceed 10 mph or during a drought or drought-like conditions.

• They must be in a vessel or fire pit intended for recreational fires, which also must have a spark screen.

• They must be attended by a responsible adult.

• They must be extinguished immediately if police or fire personnel order them to be. Complaints can be made to either department by calling 9-1-1.

The new law takes effect immediately. Fines can range from $15 to $750, plus $150 if the fire department must respond to what turns out to be an illegal burn.