Suspension of Open Burning and Live Fire Training

Published on October 30, 2024

To: City of Hartford October 30, 2024
From: Rodney Barco, Fire Chief/EMD
Subject: Public Safety Message

Until further notice.

By Authorization of the Fire Chief/Emergency Manager in consultation from DEMHS D/C Brenda Bergeron the following notice is being transmitted, your cooperation is appreciated.

Suspension of Open Burning and Live Fire Training

Due to the current Red Flag Warning and heightened fire danger, all regional fire schools, State fire training facilities, and other State training organizations are hereby directed to immediately cease all open burning, live fire training, and any other training activities that may produce sparks or hot equipment.

This directive is issued to prioritize public safety, protect our communities, and preserve valuable firefighting resources for the numerous fires currently burning across the state.

Under this restriction, NOT permitted in the City of Hartford is the use of any type of open flame (such as a fire pit charcoal or ember producing device) nor use of any type of flame producing devices in public gathering for purposes of entertainment, amusement or recreation. Also NOT permitted is the discharge of any type of fireworks such as bottle rockets, sparklers, roman candles or any other type.

Please adhere to this directive until the Red Flag Warning is lifted and fire danger levels subside.

Cited & Enforced Codes

City of Hartford Code Of Ordinances

Sec. 13-55. Bonfires.

No bonfire shall be made or maintained in the city without written permission from the fire chief.

(Code 1977, § 13-52)

International Fire Code

RECREATIONAL FIRES AND PORTABLE OUTDOOR FIREPLACES

307.1.1 Prohibited open burning. Open burning shall be prohibited when atmospheric conditions or local circumstances make such fires hazardous.
Exception: Prescribed burning for the purpose of reducing the impact of wildland fire when authorized by the fire code official .

307.2.1 Authorization. Where required by state or local law or regulations, open burning shall only be permitted with prior approval from the state or local air and water quality management authority, provided that all conditions specified in the authorization are followed.

307.3 Extinguishment authority. Where open burning creates or adds to a hazardous situation, or a required permit for open burning has not been obtained, the fire code official is authorized to order the extinguishment of the open burning operation.

Yours in service,

Rodney L. Barco
38th Chief of the Department/EMD
City of Hartford Fire Department