Residents of Bloomington can once again enjoy the warmth of a backyard fire. The city's fire ban, which was put into place on October 17th, has officially been lifted. The city government made the announcement, giving the green light for the community to embrace the simple pleasure of recreational fires under certain conditions.
The ban was a temporary measure, and its cancellation means the return of cozy campfires and ceremonial burns—just in time for the crisp fall evenings. In a statement released by the City of Bloomington, officials laid out specific guidelines to ensure safety remains a priority. These include limiting the firewood stack to three feet in diameter by two feet in height and ensuring that the fire is a minimum of 25 feet from combustibles.
Moreover, fire must be attended at all times, with appropriate extinguishing equipment within an arm's reach. To be considerate of neighbors, fires are only permitted between 7:00 a.m. and midnight, and wind conditions cannot exceed 10 miles per hour, as verified by Police Dispatch. In scenarios where the Fire Marshal, Fire Chief, or responding Police Officer deems a recreational fire unsafe, it must be extinguished immediately.
Common errors such as burning leaves or construction debris are prohibited. The use of only clean, dry firewood is emphasized to prevent the emission of potentially harmful smoke. Starter fuels acceptable for use include untreated dry firewood or charcoal fire starters, but nothing that's green, wet or treated. Residents are also reminded to keep stored firewood neat and away from property lines, as per the city code's requirements.
As a courtesy, the community is encouraged to inform neighbors before lighting up a fire, and to position fires in a way that minimizes smoke impact on adjacent homes. This serves as a gesture of good neighborliness, balancing the joy of outdoor fires with respect for those around us.
