Home Improvements

[Sawdustr]

MIND BENDER for 16 NOV 09,

We have some new neighbors who insist on have an open fire in their back yard, where they sit around and drink beer or what ever they drink but, will not socialize.

Not that I care as I have always said, I couldn't stand a sober man when I used to drink or a drunk when I was sober. Thank the good Lord above I haven't had a drink in well over 30 years and don't want any.

What the problem is that we have a ban on open burning in London and I hate to keep calling the non emergency number on this guy but, I am afraid some embers will get to my shop and burn it down.

What would you suggest that I do?

[Randy@Yorktown]

That's a tough situation to be in.  If the "law" won't take care of it for you, that's a problem.  I had a neighbor who, when he had too much to drink, would sit on his back porch with his stereo cranked up.  I confronted him the first time...politely...and he turned it down.  I guess he wasn't too inebriated that time.

A month or two later, he was out there again doing the same thing.  It was after dark and it looked as if no one was actually on the porch.  I walked over to the fence to look closer and he popped up off the floor where he'd been lying down and began to threaten me before I had a chance to say anything.  I called the police and, while I was on the phone describing what was happening, he turned the music off.  So, I told the police dispatcher to cancel the complaint.

The next day, he was out again.  This time he was sober, I think.  I didn't say anything to him, I just called the police.  They said they would be right out.  An hour later, the music was still going.  I called the police again and they said that they had been out, and were surprised that the music was still going.  They came out again.  This time they came into my yard to see just how bad it was.  About 2 minutes later, the music stopped.  I guess that's when the police were at his house.  No more music, but this guy actually went out to his shed, pulled out his mower, cranked it up and pushed up next to the fence and just let it run! I guess, for my benefit.  What a jerk.

All this happened about two years ago and he hasn't done the music thing since.  I guess the police threatened him with consequences that he was willing to risk. 

[RussBoyd]

Around here, they take illegal burning seriously. I'd call the proper authorities and see what happens. I definitely wouldn't confront a drunk. It IS possible that in the proper device (like those firepits they sell at the stores) that it is legal, so I would find out and again, call the autorities. Express your concerns and demand they do something. After a good fine or two, they'll probably stop.

[TNT Sr]

Mornin Ralph -

We too have strict burning bans because it is so dry out here in West Texas.  I certainly see where there is a problem.  Double check and see if it's in one of those outdoor pits or just a bunch of stuff on the ground burning.  Call the fire dept and ask them what's legal and what's not.  Our county commissioners enact the ban, but the fire dept is the one with the ins and outs.  Catch your neighbor on a sober day and explain your situation.  If he blows you off and continues, you have no other choice but to call the law and let them deal with it.  You certainly don't want London to end up on the news like CA does every week!!

Good luck...

Troy

[tomsteve1967]

    this could be a little difficult to handle.. i would probaby start by introducing myself and talkin to them respectfully. tell them that you like to sit around a bonfire too, but unfortunately there are laws that dont allow it. explain your concerns in a civilized way and see if they can come up with a solution. if they insist that they are gonna keep doin it, i would let them know that htre are consequences to it. if they dont think about how selfish they are being and continue to keep it up, go to the next in command, which i would think would be the local fire dept.

     this might be a little difficult situation and i would suggest thay you are following the all of the rules of the community too as there could be backlash to this.

    but the main thing i would suggest is be polite and respectful. goin over there and raisin cain is prolly gonna put them on the defense right away and then it could get ugly.

[firejohn]

Around here, we issue the permits for both open burns and campfires.  In the township, open burns are only permitted during certain times of the year and may be suspended if conditions dictate.  And there are rules to follow concerning size, what can be burned, etc.  Campfires (on the ground) require a ringed pit along with adult supervision and means to extinguish.  It is also limited in size.  A bonfire on a campfire permit would not be allowed.  In the city, open burn and campfires are not permitted, but the small raised fire pits, chimineas, and the like, are legal.  I have one on my patio.

If the burn offends the neighbors, they typically call 911 and we get dispatched to check it out.  If they have a permit and are following the rules, we'll let it go unless the smoke is actually blowing towards someone else's house.   No permit, it gets put out immediately by them or us.  Any crap about it and a hefty fine can be levied.  Even with the most adamant "I pay my taxes" individual, the idea of a citation and a $500 fine gets the wet stuff on the red stuff pretty quick.

Burning of leaves or construction debris is strictly forbidden, however.

[Sawdustr]

Good Morning All,

I am pleased that I am not the only one with this situation and the fire chief gave me his phone number to call him.

I observed that he had a ring that stood about 12 to 14" high that the fire was in but, it did not have a spark arrestor on top and the sparks were leaping about 4' in the air every once in a while.

The same night about 3:00 in the morning I was awakened by loud screaming and cursing and the next thing I knew the police and emergency squad were there and I haven't seen him for a few days and I noticed his pick up still in the yard, which he usually drove to work.

So maybe he is cooling his heels for a while. The fire chief came out yesterday and the ring does not have a spark arrestor on it and he told the wife that it can not be used again for burning unless they buy an arrestor.

He informed me that if he started a fire again without an arrestor then he would be arrested himself.

[tomsteve1967]

      well, now, isnt that ironic!!! this might sound cruel, but  better them than you. you have too much valuable wisdom and information that you are very free at sharing, and if you were over there sittin with them, i doubt you wood be willing to share it.

     actually, this sounds like a God thing. He prolly said " enough is enough!"