Purpose:

To establish a set of guidelines for persons or organizations wishing to establish and maintain a bonfire.

Policy:

Bonfire sites shall be inspected and approved by the Charlotte Fire Department, Fire Prevention Bureau.

I.            Allowed Users:

A.     Only schools, civic and religious organizations shall be allowed to establish and maintain a bonfire in accordance with the guidelines established in this Standard Operating Guideline.

II.          Fire Department Notification:

A.     Anyone wishing to establish and maintain a bonfire shall contact the Charlotte Fire Department, Fire Prevention Bureau at 704-336-2101 no less than 48 hours prior to the event.

B.     The person in charge of the bonfire shall contact the Fire Communications Center (704-336-2441) at least 3 hours prior to the fire to advise of their intent and to advise that an inspector has inspected the site and approved the bonfire.

C.     Upon completion and extinguishment of the bonfire, the person in charge shall contact the Fire Communications Center and advise that the fire has been extinguished.

III.      General Guidelines:

A.     No bonfire shall be kindled or maintained any closer than 50 feet to any structure, wooded area, or any other area that may be deemed as a hazard as determined by the Fire Inspector or Fire Officer.

B.     A competent adult shall constantly attend the bonfire until such bonfire is fully extinguished.

C.     There shall be a readily available garden hose attached to a water supply and the hose shall be capable of extending to all sides of the bonfire.

D.     There shall be a readily available fire extinguisher with a minimum rating of 2A-10BC.

E.      The Fire Inspector or Fire Officer is authorized to cause the immediate extinguishment of a bonfire when atmospheric or other hazardous conditions are present.