Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Open Burning Fire Pits topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Committee defers open-burning and fire-pit rules, asks administrator to consult fire chiefs
Summary
Lincoln's ordinance committee deferred Ordinance 2025-17 on open burning and also deferred separate fire-pit setback language, asking the town administrator to consult the fire chiefs about seasons, permits, affidavit requirements and chiefs' variance authority before the next meeting.
The Lincoln ordinance committee deferred two related items — Ordinance 2025-17 on open burning and separate draft language on fire-pit setbacks — and asked the town administrator to consult fire chiefs for additional technical input.
Presenter (S5) described the open-burning draft as largely similar to the prior version: permits required for open burns (typically for parcels of 1 acre or more), season- and hour-limited burning, a permit that would last the burning season and could be revoked, and enforcement authority. "This regulates ... type of burning ... you need 1 acre or more to burn on your property. It can only be done certain times of the year, only certain hours, and you need to get a permit," S5 said.
Committee members discussed the purpose of a seasonal restriction and whether it imposes a burden on small landowners who conduct fall cleanups. S4 referenced conversations with fire chiefs and drought conditions: the chiefs recommended controls and local permitting to help avoid uncontrolled brush fires in Lincoln. "This is more, I think, trying to get ahead of it before it becomes a problem before we have, an out of control fire will take, take place in Lincoln," S4 said.
Members also discussed an online affidavit for permit applications and enforcement steps — certified notice, failure to respond and municipal summons. Several members worried that seasonal restrictions and affidavit requirements could be burdensome for residents with small parcels who burn brush responsibly. The committee voted to defer the open-burning ordinance and specifically asked the administrator to reach out to the fire chiefs for more information.
During the fire-pit discussion, staff retained a 20-foot setback in the draft but said the chiefs could grant variances. Committee members raised liability concerns if pits contributed to a structure fire and debated whether a 10-foot setback might be acceptable in some cases. The committee deferred the fire-pit language to the next meeting for further refinement and technical input from chiefs and staff.
