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East Greenwich hearing exposes split over limits on backyard fires
Summary
At a second reading on amending Chapter 47, residents, councilors and the fire marshal debated definitions, health risks and enforcement before the council agreed to continue work and return Oct. 14 for further drafting.
The East Greenwich Town Council spent the bulk of its Aug. 12 meeting on a contentious second reading of a proposed change to chapter 47 of the town code that would clarify and restrict open burning and the use of "open flame devices," including recreational fire pits.
Councilors and staff invited public input after staff presented a draft that would distinguish open burning (brush and debris) from recreational or cooking fires and add conditions and prohibitions, including a front-yard restriction and ban on burning during Rhode Island DEM red-flag warning days. Fire Marshal Mike Carrero told the council that enforcement hinges on narrow, clear definitions and cautioned that fuel type and site conditions drive safety and smoke impacts.
Residents who live in dense neighborhoods argued the smoke and particulates pose health risks. "I urge the town council to ban all recreational fires in East Greenwich," said Christopher Cousineau of Rector Street, who recommended limiting any allowed devices to propane or natural gas in the historic district. Other speakers, including longtime residents, urged the council not to criminalize commonplace backyard fire-pit use and called for bright-line rules and limits rather than a full ban.
Councilors and staff agreed the draft leaves too much discretion for on-scene officers and fire personnel and lacks workable definitions. The council directed staff and legal counsel to prepare clearer definitions, zoning- and fuel-based limitations, and an enforcement framework; the second reading was continued to Oct. 14 to allow multiple work sessions and input from police and fire. No vote on the ordinance was taken Aug. 12.
