Chimineas, fire pits draw attention of town council
BY CLARE MARIE CELANO
Staff Writer

FREEHOLD - If you have your heart set on adding a fire pit or a chiminea to your backyard decor, better check with Freehold Borough officials first.

The issue of chimineas and fire pits, as well as other modes of outdoor burning containers, was the subject of discussion at the Borough Council's April 16 workshop.

Councilman Marc Le Vine expressed concern about homeowners who may be planning to use a chiminea or fire pit.

"These things are being sold all over and they are dropping in price," Le Vine said. "Maybe we need to consider looking into this."

A borough ordinance prohibits the outside burning of combustible materials - other than cooking fires according to the New Jersey Uniform Fire Code which prohibits open burning that will be offensive or objectionable due to smoke or odor emissions.

Because homes in the borough are so close together, this is even more of an issue, according to Le Vine.

Mayor Michael Wilson suggested that Borough Attorney Kerry Higgins research the issue of chimineas and fire pits to see how officials in other towns are addressing these outdoor burning units.

Some of the units are contained, but fire pits are not, according to Le Vine.

Higgins said she did not think the fire code applies to chimineas because they are contained. She said she would investigate what other municipalities are doing in this area. She suggested that a permit might be issued for the chimineas or fire pits with restrictions attached to the issuance of the permit.

Freehold Borough's fire official has also been asked to look into the issue.

The issue will be discussed at a future meeting.

Le Vine said the devices are often included in patio sets.

"How the council feels about this, along with good input from our professionals, will determine whether we need to amend the ordinance or not," he said.

In a subsequent conversation, Le Vine said, "It's smart to be proactive about this. We shouldn't wait for a deadly fire to jump-start our discussions on outdoor fireplaces. We are all about protecting life and property. If we agree to allow chimineas and fire pits in the borough, we must establish firm safety guidelines and properly educate our residents in their use. People who bypass the instructions for safe use are literally playing with fire. Public input on this topic is helpful because it involves purchasers of these wood-burning items and their neighbors."