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Commission reviews options for open‑flame ordinance, enforcement and related code changes
Summary
Staff and fire department representatives said the city lacks enforceable authority over some small open fires and will bring ordinance options to a future work session; the commission also plans a separate conversation about shopping‑cart and open‑flame code amendments.
City staff and the fire department briefed the commission on May 13 about drafting an ordinance to address open flames in certain urban locations and about planned code amendments that include shopping‑cart controls.
Why this matters: staff said current enforcement options are limited when a fire is started but causes no measurable property damage. Commissioners and the fire department said clearer local authority would allow fines and faster intervention to reduce wildfire and urban fire risk.
Enforcement gap and proposed remedy: a fire representative (identified in the meeting as Sean from the Fire Department) told commissioners: "We're gonna bring something forward and discuss, some of the different options that are out there and see if the commission's interested in adopting that." The representative explained current enforcement is limited when there is no monetary damage or injury and that an ordinance could give the fire marshal and fire department authority to issue fines or other enforcement actions.
Constraints and exceptions: staff cautioned that a citywide ban on all open flames would need to account for permitted activities, such as seasonal living‑history encampments, salmon bakes, park fire pits and other cultural or special events. The department said any ordinance will be drafted with those uses in mind and will include options for permitting and exemptions.
Next steps: the commission asked staff to return ordinance options at a future work session (agenda planning placed code‑enforcement and open‑flame discussion on a June work session). Staff also flagged shopping‑cart regulation as a companion code change.
Ending: Commissioners expressed support for an enforceable local standard while directing staff to draft language that preserves permitted cultural events and coordinates with state DEQ small‑burn permitting where relevant.
