St. Pete Beach Residents Face Fines Up to $500 for Open Burning Violations

St. Pete Beach residents must adhere to Pinellas County's open burning ordinance, particularly concerning single-family homes. Pinellas County Ordinance Article V, Section 58-207, outlines strict penalties for violations, including fines and potential imprisonment.

A violation of the open burning ordinance can result in a fine up to $500.00 or imprisonment in the county jail for up to 60 days, or both. Each day a continuous violation occurs is considered a separate offense. The Fire Department also has the authority to prohibit any and all open fires when atmospheric conditions or local circumstances make such fire hazardous.

Permitted Recreational Fires: What You Need to Know

Section 58-216 of the ordinance permits certain types of open burning. These include campfires or other fires used solely for recreational purposes, ceremonial occasions, outdoor noncommercial preparation of food, or on cold days for warming outdoor workers. These activities are allowed as long as they do not emit excessive visible emissions.

Listed outdoor fireplaces, fire rings, and chimineas, such as those purchased from a hardware store, are permitted for recreational use with specific restrictions. These devices must be located at least 10 feet from any structure. When in use, a competent person must constantly attend them, and a garden hose connected to a water supply must be readily available. Embers must be contained by using a lid or grate. Residents are also responsible for the avenue of smoke travel and may be required to extinguish the fire if it causes a nuisance.

Consequences of Non-Compliance and Fire Department Authority

The Pinellas County Ordinance Article V, Section 58-207, clearly states the legal repercussions for those who do not comply with the open burning regulations. These penalties underscore the importance of understanding and following the rules to ensure public safety and environmental protection.

The Fire Department, as the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ), maintains the legal authority to ban all open fires based on atmospheric conditions or local hazards. This provision allows for immediate action to prevent wildfires or other dangerous situations that could arise from open burning.

Residents should familiarize themselves with these regulations to avoid penalties and contribute to a safe community. For further details, residents can consult the full Pinellas County Ordinance Article V.