The purpose of this article is to regulate open fires consistent with but outside the control of Title 23, Chapters 23 and 23.1, the "Rhode Island Clean Air Act," and Title 2, Chapter 12 of the General Laws.

Section 5-1-2 Burning on public grounds

No person shall set or maintain any bonfire, rubbish or other open fire of any kind, or authorize any such fire to be set or maintained, on any public ground without a permit issued by the Chief of the Fire Department or his authorized representative.

Section 5-1-3 Burning relative to construction or demolition

During construction or demolition of buildings or structures, no waste materials or rubbish shall be disposed of by burning on the property or in the immediate vicinity without having obtained a permit issued by the Chief of the Fire Department or his authorized representative.

Section 5-1-4 Burning on residential property

No person shall set or maintain a bonfire or burn rubbish lumber, leaves, brush or any other combustible material or authorize any other open fire to be set or maintained on any private residential land except as follows:

(a) A person may burn household paper trash or authorize the burning of such household paper trash on any private residential land if the fire is contained in a burner with, closed or properly screened top, approved by the fire prevention bureau and such burner is located safely on private residential property no less than fifteen (15) feet, from any structure and seven (7) feet from any property line or combustible fence.

(b) All such burning shall be permitted from sunrise to 10:00 a.m. and from 5:00 p.m. to sunset, unless the Fire Prevention bureau shall prohibit burning because of special circumstances making such fires hazardous or a nuisance to adjoining or surrounding property or person.

Section 5-1-5 Attendance of fire

All bonfires, rubbish. or other open fires shall be constantly attended by competent person until such fire is extinguished. A garden hose connected to a water supply, other fire extinguishing equipment, shall be readily available for use.

Section 5-1-6 Exceptions

(a) The chief of the fire department may prohibit any and all outdoor bonfires, rubbish, and other open fires whenever atmospheric conditions or other local circumstances may make such fires hazardous.

(b) The chief of the fire department may authorize exceptions to this article and allow additional burning when he deems it necessary for the public convenience or welfare.

Section 5-1-7 Penalties for violation

Any person found guilty of violating any of the provisions of this article shall, upon conviction, be punished by a fine of not more than $100 or by imprisonment for not more than thirty (30) days.

SECTION 3-4 OPEN OUTDOOR FIRES, INCINERATORS, OUTDOOR FIREPLACES

3-4.1 Permit Required

(see Section 1-15).

Exception: Cooking fires.

SECTION 1-15 PERMITS AND APPROVALS

1-15.1 The authority having jurisdiction is authorized to establish and issue permits, certificates, notices, and approvals, or orders pertaining to fire control and fire hazards pursuant to this section.