The Partial Observer from the Village of Cooperstown Board of Trustees

Trustees Offer Guidance for Outdoor Burning

As we enter the fall season, we expect colorful leaves, shorter days and cooler nights. We can also expect that people will burn wood, both within their homes for heat and outside recreationally. The Village of Cooperstown has heard recent resident concerns about outdoor wood burning in more densely populated parts of the village. Outdoor wood fires are regulated by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s Air Resources legislation, New York State Fire Code, and the Village of Cooperstown Zoning Law. The village offers these tips, many legally required and others common sense, to promote public health and safety.

Whether you burn indoors or outdoors:

• Never leave a fire unattended.
• Have a fire extinguisher nearby and know how to use it.
• Keep any fire small to moderate in size.
• Burn only seasoned, dry hardwood.
• Never burn trash, cardboard, wrapping paper, treated or painted wood, plywood or particle board, wet wood, or leaves.
• Never use gasoline, lighter fluid, diesel fuel or other accelerants on a wood fire.
• Supervise children and pets closely around an active fire.

If you plan to burn in an indoor fireplace:

• Have the chimney inspected and cleaned by a qualified chimney professional.
• Check that the damper opens properly before lighting a fire.
• Ensure smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are working and have fresh batteries.
• Use a fireplace screen or glass doors to prevent sparks from escaping.
• Keep furniture, curtains, rugs, decorations, newspapers and other combustible materials at least three feet away from the fireplace.
• Watch for signs of carbon monoxide exposure, such as headache, dizziness, nausea or confusion.

If you want to enjoy an outdoor recreational fire:

• Monitor weather conditions—avoid fires during high winds or dry conditions.
• Use a designated fire ring or fireplace.
• Have a water source (hose or buckets of water) readily available.
• Maintain a clear area around the fire free of leaves, grass and other combustible materials.
• Be mindful of wind direction, smoke and the impact your fire might have on your neighbors.
• Know that wood fires release fine particulates into the air that can be especially troubling for people with underlying heart or lung conditions, children and older adults.
• Consider investing in a smokeless firepit to keep yourself and those around you healthy.

Fire safety is a team effort. In the Village of Cooperstown, regulations about location, fuel, attendance, and smoke are enforced by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, Otsego County Codes, and the village zoning enforcement officer, with the assistance of the Cooperstown Police Department and the Cooperstown Fire Department. If you experience a fire-related issue, report it by calling 911.

The Village of Cooperstown Board of Trustees: Deputy Mayor Cynthia Falk, George Fasanelli, Joseph Membrino, Molly Mooney, Audrey Porsche and Richard Sternberg.