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Restrictions for deck barbeques |
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Friday, 14 August 2009 |
By Thom Heller, Fire Marshal
Mammoth Lakes Fire Department
The new California Fire Code, adopted Jan. 1, 2008 contains restrictions pertaining to the use of open-flame cooking devices (barbecues) on balconies/decks of apartment buildings, condominiums and townhomes.
The Code applies to all multi-family dwellings, but the issue and subsequent requirements and limitations do not apply to single and two family dwellings.
The following are key points and how code provisions are intended to be enforced within the Mammoth Lakes Fire Protection District:
• The Code restricts the use of barbecues – including charcoal, wood burning, or LP-gas cooking devices – on combustible balconies or within 10 feet of combustible construction.
• In this application, the determination of combustible construction is wood siding or other wood products on exterior walls, ceilings and/or decks of balconies.
• For first floor units, wood siding or other wood products on exterior walls, ceilings, and/or decks of balconies/patios, or areas of wood fencing must be separated by 10 feet from a barbecue.
• Exception: The above-noted restrictions do not apply when apartment buildings and balconies or patios are protected by fire sprinklers, are constructed of non-combustible material, or when LP-gas cooking devices limit the size fuel container to 1 pound LP-gas capacity.
Homeowner Associations and apartment building managers may have regulations that are more restrictive than the California Fire Code.
In a related item, we are starting to see an increase in the requests for the use of recreational fire pits. There are two different types of pits: An unimproved pit dug in the ground or surrounded by rock and manufactured pits.
The unimproved type of fire pit requires a permit from the Fire District and necessitates an inspection. The approval for such burning shall only be issued to the owner of the property where the fire pit exits. These permits have some restrictions associated with them and can be suspended at any time.
Manufactured fire pits may be used, but only if the product has been approved and listed by Underwriter’s Laboratories (UL). Proof of the UL listing must be retained by the owner and shown to the Fire District if requested and these units must have a top cover screen in place when being used.
These manufactured fire pits do not require a permit to be obtained from the Fire District. It is very possible that in the future the Fire District will require ember screens for the unimproved fire pits, as well.
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Last Updated ( Saturday, 22 August 2009 )
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