Islamorada Fire Rescue outlines bonfire permit requirements and fees

Islamorada residents planning a bonfire must obtain a permit from the Village of Islands Department of Fire Rescue and adhere to specific safety guidelines. The department has outlined the application process and general precautions required for open bonfires.

According to the Village Council's Resolution 11-10-88, effective October 26, 2011, fees are authorized for fire safety inspection and permit activities. The current fee for a bonfire permit is $75.00, payable to the Islamorada, Village of Islands.

The Bonfire Permit Application requires detailed information, including the purpose of the bonfire, material to be burned, location, and the desired date and time. Applicants must also provide contact information for the responsible party and the property owner. A site plan indicating the bonfire's location and setbacks from buildings or combustible items is necessary. Property owners must sign the application, acknowledging receipt of general precautions and understanding of permit requirements.

The Department of Fire Rescue's General Precautions list several responsibilities for the property owner or supervisor. These include ensuring a 50-foot setback from any building or combustibles. The bonfire itself must not exceed five feet in width, length, or height, and should not burn for longer than three hours, unless approved by the Fire Chief. Fuel must consist only of approved seasoned dry wood and non-hazardous material, ignited with a small amount of paper. The fire is not to be used for waste disposal, and flammable liquids like gasoline or charcoal lighter fluid are prohibited for ignition.

Safety measures mandated by the Fire Rescue Department include having a garden hose connected to a water supply or other readily available fire extinguishing equipment. A competent individual must constantly attend the bonfire until it is completely extinguished. Bonfires are prohibited during steady winds of 20 mph or higher, or gusts exceeding 25 mph, even with a permit. If smoke becomes a nuisance to neighbors, the fire must be promptly extinguished.

Following the bonfire, the location and adjacent areas must be inspected 30 minutes after completion to ensure they are fire safe. An inspector may contact the applicant to schedule a site visit prior to permit approval to verify code compliance.

Applications and information can be obtained from the Department of Fire Rescue, located at 86800 Overseas Highway, 1st Floor, Islamorada, Florida 33036. The office can be reached at 305-664-6490 or via email at [email protected].