MY local fire department has STUPID policies.....

[MossRoad]

If they didn't tell him when they would get there, or call and say they can't make it, they don't have much of a process. I know that's all Bill's fault. The more burn permit lawyer :laughing: questions you pose, the worse the township's execution of their rules looks.

I asked for an inspection that day as there was supposed to be no wind today...and it's a sunny, 15 degree day without a breath of wind so far. Still waiting for the useless local fire department to send someone out to inspect the pile and give me an okay to light it off.

The above was posted at 3:27 pm.

Me thinks you and the OP meet the same criteria.

 

[riptides]

All non sense aside ... Light the fire .. It'll be burned out before they get there.

Judging by the looks of it and the sheer size, I'd say over 14 hours before it stops smoldering. And if he has not alerted the neighbors, I'd venture one of them calls just because of the smoke or light it gives off, curiosity or WTH mode.

 

[rtimgray]

You have the wrong idea about VFDs. VFDs have EVERY right to complain. The paid FD do not have any right to complain because that is their job and you pay your taxes for their salary. So what do you say about let's not have volunteers and increase taxes to cover salaries. :thumbsup:

What I'm more in favor of is how about we eliminate some taxes and get rid of public fire departments. Let the private sector provide the service for those who wish purchase their service and let the houses burn for those who don't.

Now I know that's not really practical, because a fire in the heart of a town could spread rapidly and cause massive damage if uncontrolled. I know that fire departments provide more services than extinguishing fires - I see it everytime there are 12 different fire department vehicles from 3 different townships converging on a fender bender between a Honda Accord and a Ford Taurus. In our area, there is no shortage of VFD personnel and they rarely miss an opportunity to flash their lights and blow their horn.

To reiterate, I do feel that a volunteer fireman can be an honorable position, and it does serve the public good, and there is a level of danger involved in it. However, it is a VOLUNTEER organization, and if you are unwilling to make the sacrifices - DON'T VOLUNTEER. The same can be said for professional fire fighters, police offices, etc. I don't think that any of us are drafted into a position, so in a sense, the professionals are also "volunteers" because they chose that career path.

I can't stop anybody from complaining, but my mother always told me "If you're looking for sympathy, you'd better check the dictionary between simple and syphilis, because you won't find it from me."

Thanks to the VFDs for the services they provide. Good luck and take care.

 

[dave1949]

Me thinks you and the OP meet the same criteria.

Sore loser, eh?

 

[RobertN]

Again, I ask, really?

I volunteer to help people, save lives and property. Not deal with fires like this.

I can't believe this! You should go spend some time on the engine dealing with people with these attitudes...

All non sense aside ... Light the fire .. It'll be burned out before they get there.

 

[Scooby074]

Around here its spelled out on the permits (note, $5 permits were phased out last year in favour of a burn website, that shows if you can or cant burn, no charge) that the fire cannot be piled by machine and still be a homeowner burn. When a machine is involved the pile is bigger and taller which moves it to a commercial burn with a more expensive permit. I believe a site inspection is required for a commercial burn but I could be wrong.

That said, I pile with my tractor, but try to keep the max height and with "reasonable". Id rather do several smaller, controlled burns as opposed to one Inferno

 

[dragoneggs]

Boy, I missed the good ole days! We used to have a community bonfire once a year on June 21st at night to celebrate Mid Summer (longest day of the year). This is common practice for a party in Norway. The pile was as big as the OP's and it had prunings, and miscellaneous construction debri (burnable) from the scraps of the cabins that were being built by the owners and cronies. We were part of a Norwegian immigrant cabin community on several hundred acres. We invited the VFD to come join us and light it off! They loved it... gave them some practice managing a fire, running hoses in a rural area, using pump water from the lake. They brought the engine, most of the team, and we all had a great time singing and dancing. Granted June 21-22 around PNW isn't really summer yet so the pile is getting dry but it's still green all around. Motto? If you can't beat them, join them.

 

[texasjohn]

My head's about to explode! How do we ever get thru the day??

burn, baby, burn....no, get a permit
volunteer...no, pay taxes for community service
complain..no you can't
volunteer fire dept...no, govt. fire dept....no, wait for some private start-up fire department
big piles are good...no, small piles are good
It'll probably not start another fire....but be prepared anyway
come to my beck and call immediately...hmm, maybe there are other higher priorities...or maybe somebody has a "case of the don'ts"
beer bribery is best...nope, donuts...nope, honey
burn small brush...add in trunks...how about doors and lumber...or treated wood
it'll burn out immediately....or take the better part of a day.
burn anytime....burn only a couple days a year
permit if no snow... snow, no permit...permit always
be nice....nope, the squeaky wheel gets the grease
get your permit over the net...no, get one in person

:smiley_aafz::mur::hissyfit::fiery::duh::stirthepot:unch:ullinghair::muttering::mischievous::biggrin::soapbox::scratchchin::tree::firefighter::chillpill::stopsign::snowflake:

 

[TomSeller]

Light it up as soon as the Super Bowl starts. I have been chewed out a few times by the fire department but they always have a grin on their face when they do it. They get calls from people complaining so they have to come out. Serious about the Super Bowl. Lit mine up that was about the size of yours and went and watched the game. At halftime, I pushed it together with the loader to keep buring. If there is no direct view of the flame from the road or neighbors you can consider lighting it up at night. I understand the regs during the dry season or in the city, but us land owners need to burn the debris.

 

[smstonypoint]

Boy, I missed the good ole days! We used to have a community bonfire once a year on June 21st at night to celebrate Mid Summer (longest day of the year). This is common practice for a party in Norway. The pile was as big as the OP's and it had prunings, and miscellaneous construction debri (burnable) from the scraps of the cabins that were being built by the owners and cronies. We were part of a Norwegian immigrant cabin community on several hundred acres. We invited the VFD to come join us and light it off! They loved it... gave them some practice managing a fire, running hoses in a rural area, using pump water from the lake. They brought the engine, most of the team, and we all had a great time singing and dancing. Granted June 21-22 around PNW isn't really summer yet so the pile is getting dry but it's still green all around. Motto? If you can't beat them, join them.

You can still obtain a permit to burn lumber in Alesund, Norway (People Of Alesund, Norway, Celebrate Midsummer With A Giant Bonfire)

Steve