Outdoor Fire Pit City Regulations

The Laurelhurst Blog received this email from a neighbor:

We live north of the park and a neighbor has an outdoor fire pit. One night, the fire pit was burning and the smoke was very thick, and lingered around our home and others for hours. What is the Seattle code for use of personal fire pits?

Here is information from Seattle Fire Department:

Outdoor Fire Regulations  

Fire Department permits are not required for use of portable outdoor fireplaces, recreational fires and cooking fires unless they exceed three feet in diameter and two feet in height. Fires larger than three feet by two feet require a permit from both the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency and the Seattle Fire Department. 

Air Quality Regulations
When air quality conditions are poor, the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency may enact a ban on both indoor and outdoor burning. To determine if an air quality burn ban is in effect, call 1-800-595-4341, or visit their web site at www.pscleanair.org.

Requirements for Recreational Fires (Seattle Fire Code)
Recreational fires are those for cooking, pleasure, religious, ceremonial or similar purposes where the fire is not contained in an outdoor fireplace, grill or barbecue pit.

Recreational fires are allowed only if all of the following conditions are met: 1. No air quality burn ban is in effect. 2. The fire is not more than three feet in diameter and two feet in height. 3. The fire is located at least 25 feet from any structure or combustible material. Conditions which could cause a fire to spread shall be eliminated prior to ignition. 4. Trash, yard waste, rubbish, or paper products are not being burned. 5. Fire extinguishing equipment is readily available for use. This should include a shovel and two buckets of water, or a charged garden hose or fire extinguisher with a 4-A rating. 6. The fire is continually attended by an adult until it is completely extinguished. 7. The fire is not being conducted on public property where fires are prohibited, such as in a park or on school grounds. Fires in parks are only allowed where specifically authorized, and where appropriate burning receptacles are provided. 

Use of Portable Outdoor Fireplaces 

A patio fireplace is one that is designed to function as a masonry or factory-built fireplace, except that they are portable, outdoor, solid-fuel burning fireplaces. They may be constructed of steel, concrete or clay and may or may not be equipped with a short chimney. Use of patio fireplaces is allowed if the following conditions are met: 1. No air quality burn ban is in effect. 2. The patio fireplace is not placed on a deck or balcony and is not located within 15 feet of a structure or combustible material or vegetation. Use of patio fireplaces at single family homes and duplexes are exempt from this requirement. 3. Trash, yard waste, rubbish, or paper products are not being burned. 4. Fire extinguishing equipment is readily available for use. This should include a shovel and two buckets of water, or a a charged garden hose or fire extinguisher with a 4-A rating is present. 5. The fire is not being conducted on public property where fires are prohibited, such as in a park or on school grounds. Fires in parks are only allowed where specifically authorized, and where appropriate burning receptacles are provided. 

For more information go here. 

Fire Pit To Be Removed

Seattle Parks Department published this information on January 24th about removal of the Laurelhurst Park firepit. Parks did not inform the Laurelhurst Community Club about their decision until February 10th, when a representative attended LCC's Board meeting. Neighbors are just starting to find out this week.

Parks public relations post:

Saying goodbye to the Laurelhurst Fire Pit
January 24, 2020 by Christina Hirsch

Seattle Parks and Recreation will be removing the Laurelhurst Fire Pit in the coming weeks. Over the past 5 years, we have seen an increase in more aggressive fires and unattended fires. Staff have also reported fires being ignited by youth under the age of 18 without adult supervision as well as users burning trash or unclean wood. In addition, neighbors have complained each summer about the smoke and the use of the pit, including issues around trash and alcohol bottles being left in the area. 

We are sad to see the fire pit go, but we want to be responsive to the community’s concerns as well as the health and safety concerns noticed by our staff. 

Do you have fond memories of the Laurelhurst Fire Pit? We’d love to see pics of how you’ve enjoyed the fire pit over the years! Please share pictures or your favorite memories by tagging “SeattleParks” on Twitter or “Seattle Parks and Recreation” on Facebook. 

The Laurelhurst Blog contacted Christina copying several others Parks employees on the email and said:

We have some questions about your 1/24 Parkways post:

• Is this the only communication to the public about this? What if someone doesn't read Parkways? Neighbors are just finding out about this. 
• It appears that Parks is keeping this quiet as no one knows about this and just wants to quickly and quietly remove the firepit.
• Who made the decision? 
• Were any neighbors contacted or the Laurelhurst Community Club?
• When will the firepit be removed? 
• You said  - "Over the past 5 years, we have seen an increase in more aggressive fires and unattended fires" - what is the evidence of this - can you please let us know how to access this information
• You said "neighbors have complained each summer about the smoke and the use of the pit" - what is the evidence of this - can you please let us know how to access this information
• You said "we want to be responsive to the community’s concerns as well as the health and safety concerns noticed by our staff" - where are these concerns documented?
• What are the "health concerns? 
• When are staff at the park? Our Blog staff is there throughout the day and have only seen Parks personnel cleaning the bathrooms and picking up trash at the garbage cans around the park. The Blog Staff has on occasion seen garbage around the pit. There seems to be 1-2 calls to the Fire Department over the last 2 years.
• If people have "fond memories" why would you ask them to share pictures on Twitter? It seems contradictory

Christopher Williams, Superintendent of Parks, mistakenly replied all to the email, but didn't remove the Laurelhurst Blog on the email and he said: Let’s huddle today CW."

Rachel, Parks spokesperson responded:

Thanks for reaching out. Both community members and staff who have worked at Laurelhurst community center have expressed concerns over the years of the dangerous activity that happens at the fire pit. In response to these concerns, we proposed the removal of the fire pit, but first wanted to hear from community about this change. 

We have shared this information on our blog, on our website (both Laurelhurst park page and Laurelhurst CC page), on twitter, and Facebook. We met with the Advisory Council at Laurelhurst Community Center on Feb 3, and at a Community Club meeting on Monday (2/11).

Rachel is incorrect, the information is not on the LCC website, the last time the Laurelhurst Blog checked, and LCC told the Laurelhurst Blog that they just found out the decision the same day as their recent LCC meeting which occurred on Monday, February 10. 

The Laurelhurst Blog found a post on Park's Twitter and Facebook, but not until 3 days after their Parkways post.

The Laurelhurst Blog sent another email to Rachel saying:

LCC learned about the removal just before their Monday meeting.  Neighbors don't read any of the social media you have put this very important news on. The Advisory Council is comprised of members that are your staff and a few neighbors and neighbors don't attend that meeting.

Why didn't you contact us to publish the info? There is no info on the LCC site - at least on their first page. There are many more ways you could have gotten the word out - sent an email out through LCC's Constant Contact resource, but none have been done, only information published on your Parks site, of which very few people read. 

Also why hasn't Cara, Laurelhurst Community Club Recreation Coordinator, sent out information?  

Rachel responded:

We are still continuing to hear out community on this proposed changed and do not yet have a date for removal.

Today the Laurelhurst Blog sent another email:

We are following up as we have not received a response. We look forward to hearing from you with specifics in response to our questions.  

Rachel responded today saying:

We have no timeline for removal, and please direct folks to email us with any concerns. The best place to do that is pks_info@seattle.gov.

The Laurelhurst Blog responded:

We are directing ourselves to you with our concerns!  Please answer our questions. Thank you.

And no response has been received again.

Comments on the Parks Department Facebook page said:

I saw people using it for the first time last summer and it was so idyllic. Neighbors having a little evening fire making s'mores. Sad to see it go. 

This is outrageous. Utter failure of leadership starting with Jenny Durkin. 

It's always sad that a few can spoil it for hundreds of others

The Laurelhurst Blog also contacted Cara, Laurelhurst Community Center Recreation Coordinator, who said;

Rachel, the Seattle Parks and Recreation Communications Manager, will be able to answer your questions regarding the fire pit.  

Mike Wayte, a long time Laurelhurst resident has started an on-line petition saying:

A vocal minority has the parks department closing down the fire pit in Laurelhurst Park. Please sign this petition to save the fire pit! 

In 2007, the fire pit was in jeapordy of being removed, and LCC supported the recommendation of some neighbors to remove it. Seattle Parks' Royal Alley-Barnes presented her plan at an LCC meeting for the removal and recommendation of replacement with a portable unit. LCC suggested that the Community Center Advisory group have an opportunity to weigh in on this decision. 

A group of neighbors were very vocal against removal of the fire pit  asked for a formal public process to weigh in on the final decision. The group said that there was lack of public input and that there a certain uniqueness of the urban fire pit as well as a decades-long history and tradition of the fire pit.

In response to whether arks Public Involvement Policy, LCC stated, at the time, that Parks formal public involvement policy applies to proposals to 1) acquire property, 2) initiate funded capital projects or 3) make changes to a park or facility, LCC added that it's unclear whether the policy applies to the situation of removing and/or replacing the fire pit.

LCC also added, at the time, that citizens certainly have the right to ask for additional public process. But whether a public meeting is held is up to the Parks Superintendent.  

The Laurelhurst Blog has received many emails from neighbors against the removal of the fire pit. Here are some of the comments: 

We have lived in the neighborhood for decades and have just learned about Parks' decision. Why wasn't the community notified via an on-line communication that neighbors read, such as this Blog, or LCC. We don't know anyone that reads "Parkways." Parks seems to have made this decision and is doing their best to not let anyone know. Doesn't Parks represent the neighborhood and its interests? 

We are very disappointed with Parks that they would act alone without any communication to the neighborhood to close this gathering spot which has been used for generations. Where is the evidence that Parks is referring to in their Parkways post?  

We have used the firepit through many generations of our family and were surprised to hear that suddenly it is being removed. Seems it would be due diligence to provide statistics on all that Parks is saying about its concerns - health, etc. We have never heard of these types of concerns over the many, many years we have lived in the neighborhood. 

It really seems that Parks is acting completely on their own and keeping all the information under the radar so that no one finds out, regardless of whether neighbors agree with the decision or not. 

It is really upsetting that Seattle Parks and Recreation that serves and promotes community has made their own decision with no neighbor input and on top of that, has not used any social media that people actually read to get the word out widely.   

Can there not be a public input process on this important decision? It appears that Parks has made the decision completely by themselves without publishing any specific information that they refer to in their Parkways post.  Does it really exist or is it just lip service and a PR spin? 

Other neighbors said:

We are glad to see that the firepit will be removed. In the summers mostly, groups hang out there till quite late, after the Park has formally closed. We have never heard of any safety issues ever or unattended fires, but we will be glad that it will be quiet in the park. 

I walk the park every day and have seen garbage around the firepit and always pick it up. The debris from the fire is never outside the firepit and we don't have concerns about fires that are not put out. But it seems that sometimes there are groups who may not be managing themselves well at the fire pit. So maybe it is a good idea to remove it.

Parks Department contacts:

Rachel Schulkin: Rachel.Schulkin@seattle.gov or (206) 684-8020
Christopher Williams, Superintendent: Christopher.Williams@seattle.gov
Cara Brown: Cara.Brown@seatte.govGeneral
Parks general email: pks_info@seatte.govAssociated Recreation Council (ARC): www.seattle.gov/Parks/Arc

To sign Mike's petition go here.

.  

Please contact the Laurelhurst blog at laurelhurstblogger@gmail.com with comments or information you receive from Parks Department representatives.

Rules For Using The Firepit At The Park

The Laurelhurst Blog has received several reports of the firepit left smoldering after use as well as lots of garbage left in and around the firepit. 

Last week a neighbor called the Fire Department to report a small flame and smoke in the unattended firepit in the late morning on a very hot, breezy day. 

The Seattle Municipal Code 18.12.270 - Fires says:  

It is unlawful (a) to ignite or maintain any fire or to participate in igniting, maintaining or using any fire within any park except in a designated stove or fire ring or (b) to ignite in any stove or fire ring any household rubbish or other material banned from outdoor burning by air pollution control regulations, or (c) to ignite or maintain a fire in any fire ring during any stage on an air pollution episode declared by the Puget Sound Air Pollution Control Agency. All fires within parks are prohibited between the hours of eleven p.m. (11:00 p.m.) and six a.m. (6:00 a.m.).

The Seattle Parks and Recreation website says:

Light fires only in designated fire pits. Burn only clean firewood like bare, clean dry cordwood (chemically treated wood like lumber releases a strong-smelling, dirty smoke into the air and burning pallets can leave nails and debris on the beach) Douse your fire completely with water before leaving. Dispose of trash and ashes in the containers provided for each.  Be considerate of others – no amplified music Alcohol is not permitted in Seattle parks. 

The Park closes at 10pm daily and everyone is required to leave at that time.  Residents are enouraged to call 911 to report disturbances, especially those after 10pm in the Park.

Go here for more information about burn bans and safety tips for use of firepits.

Also a neighbor noticed the sign is incorrectly spelled. Who can find the misspelling?

Firepit Left Smoldering With Student's Notebook After Park Closure

The Laurelhurst Blog received this information:

Seems someone decided to burn their Spanish notebook yesterday evening, 6/20, in the firepit at the park. It was still smoldering the following morning.  

It’s the responsibility of whomever starts a fire in the pit to ensure it’s out before you leave the area, and the area must be clear by 10pm (per the Seattle Parks website and sign at the park), when the park closes for the night.  

Here are a few pictures of the firepit- I’m sure someone recognizes the notebook that was partially burned. Please don’t do this. It isn’t safe.

Please contact laurelhurstblogger@gmail.com if you have information.

Residents Concerned About Excessive Smoke From Outdoor Fire Pits And City Requirements For Recreational Fires

We have received several emails from residents concerned about the smoke coming from outdoor firepits and its effects.

One email said: 

My neighbor next door had an outdoor party in the front yard last weekend. The fire pit with wood consumed my house in smoke and I found it necessary to close all windows and blow fans.

It was still difficult to remove the smell. I felt like I was at a campground, but unable to breathe clearly in my living room. The fire department told me to 'calmly go over and ask them to put it out'. 

From what I understand, it is legal as long as it is 25 feet from a structure. But this is annoying to those who don't enjoy breathing in burning wood. 

From my research into the City of Seattle, they are legal if there is no burn ban in effect and the fire can be as tall as 2 feet and 3 feet in diameter, but the set back must be 10 feet from the street.

Here is what the Puget Clean Air website, which regulates outdoor and indoor fires and mandates burn bans according to the current quality of air, says:

Fuel it right. Only charcoal, dried firewood or manufactured firelogs may be used. It is illegal to burn anything else.

Keep it small not tall. Fires must not exceed three feet in diameter or two feet in height.

Stay clear of structures. Check with your local fire department regarding setback requirements.

Stand guard and extinguish. A person capable of extinguishing the fire must attend it at all times, and the fire must be extinguished before leaving it.

Ask first. Permission from a landowner, or owner’s designated representative, must be obtained before starting a recreational fire.

Mind the ban. Recreational fires are always prohibited during air-quality burn bans. They may also be prohibited during a fire-safety burn ban (check with your local fire district.)

Be a good neighbor. It is always illegal to smoke out your neighbor. If smoke from your fire bothers your neighbors, damages their property or otherwise causes a nuisance, you must immediately put it out.

To determine if an air quality burn ban is in effect, call 1-800-595-4341, or visit their web site at www.pscleanair.org.

And here is information from the Seattle Fire Department on the City website regarding requirements for recreational fires:
a) No air quality burn ban is in effect.
b) The fire is not more than three feet in diameter and two feet in height.
c) The fire is located at least 25 feet from any structure or combustible material. Conditions which could cause a fire to spread shall be eliminated prior to ignition.
d) Trash, yard waste, rubbish, or paper products are not being burned.
e) Fire extinguishing equipment is readily available for use. This should include a shovel and two buckets of water, or a charged garden hose or fire extinguisher with a 4-A rating.
f) The fire is continually attended by an adult until it is completely extinguished.
g) The fire is not being conducted on public property where fires are prohibited, such as in a park or on school grounds. Fires in parks are only allowed where specifically authorized, and where appropriate burning receptacles are provided.
h) If the fire is in conjunction with a sweat lodge, the lodge itself must be less than 200 square feet if constructed of a tent.



   

 

Extremely Loud Fireworks Going Off Nightly And Fire Department Responds To Incident At Park Fire Pit

Three loud booms from fireworks were heard around Laurelhurst Elementary School and beyond on Saturday night, July 26th, from 10:15-10:30pm.

Neighbors have reported hearing fireworks almost every night in this area since the week before July 4th, though none have been as loud as the ones on Saturday. Some neighbors think they are coming from the Laurelhurst Elementary School playgrounds and the Park.

One neighbor said he heard a car drive by his house on 46th Avenue NE honking 3 times, then after that no more fireworks were heard. He seemed to think that the people in the car driving by were responsible for the fireworks and were honking to let neighbors know they were done bothering people.

Another neighbor who lives on NE 43rd Street just east of the park wrote:

Someone has been setting off fireworks on a regular basis between 9PM and 10PM near NE 43rd Street, east of the Park. This is highly inconsiderate as it make our dog a nervous wreck and wakes our child up. Please respect your neighbors.

Terri Johnson, Seattle Police North Precinct Crime Prevention Coordinator, says:

Seattle Police Department and Police want to remind you that fireworks are illegal in the City of Seattle. Call 9-1-1 to report fireworks.

The possession, manufacture, storage, sale, handling and use of fireworks are prohibited. Fireworks offenses are gross misdemeanors punishable by up to one year in jail and/or a $5,000 fine. Fireworks pose a fire hazard to property and present a safety risk to those who use them.

Also on Sunday, July 27th around 9pm, a firetruck responded to the firepit at Laurelhurst Park, perhaps to put out a smoldering fire, a neighbor told us who lives near there.

Response From Seattle Police Department To Ongoing Parties And Potential Criminal Activity At Laurelhurst Park

Fire Pit used for large late night gatherings at Laurelhurst Park

We received the following two responses from the Seattle Police Department regarding continuing large gatherings and excesive noise, including drug use at the Park, specifically from parties held at the Fire Pit.

The first response is from  Terri Johnson, Seattle Police North Precinct Crime Prevention Coordinator, in response to a post we did on Wedneday of this week, regarding continuing large gatherings and excesive noise, including drug use at the Park, specifically from parties held at the Fire Pit:

I  know summertime use, and sometimes misuse of our Parks occurs throughout Seattle.  From Golden Gardens to Seward Park, young people often meet up to hang out, play music and sometimes they engage in criminal activity. 

9-1-1 needs to be used for reporting underage drinking;  property damage; disturbances; noise complaints;
etc.  Calls are dispatched on a priority basis, depending on what is happening simultaneously in that district.  SPD does not have the staffing levels that would allow us to patrol parks on a regular basis. 

However, we are complaint driven and will respond to the neighborhood complaints.  So our message to nearby residents is call when you wish a patrol officer to respond. It will be the officers’ discretion on whether anyone is identified, arrested, cited or trespassed.  

Perhaps neighbors and/or parents can do routine dog walks through the park too, on the popular nights if you suspect that Laurelhurst teenagers are the problem. 

If the teenagers are driving in from another neighborhood, do not hesitate to use 625-5011 to report any parking violations.  Teenagers love their cars and do not want them towed! 

I have forwarded this e-mail to my supervisor, the Sergeant of the Community Police Team; and your CPT officer.  I have also sent it to the Parks Dept. Public Information officer for her response.  tj

And this response is from Seattle Police Department's Sergeant Dianne Newsom, in charge of the North Precinct Community Police Team:

Parent patrols of the area  make the neighborhood kids not hang out there. 

The Park exclusion ordinance does apply to all city parks including Laurelhurst.

I have notified the District Sergeant about your concerns

Large Loud Late Night Gatherings In The Park Reported And Leaving Behind A Big Mess

Readers have reported that large gatherings and loud parties have started up at the Fire Pit in the Park again.

This week-end, especially, will most likely be a busy week-end at the Fire Pit with many high school and the UW graduations taking place. And along with the warmer weather it seems the fire pit is a  popular meeting and party place.

However with residences close by, it causes quite a disturbance to many.

One reader reported that last week-end there were three nights of "parties and mess."

He goes on to say:

The amount of beer cans at the fire pit says it all. My neighbor was walking the dog last Saturday night at 9:30pm and she said there were close to 100 kids drinking and carring in cases of beer. The mess sunday was the worst I have seen it in a long time. We are finding not only beer cans and bottles but bags of marajuana and other drugs left behind in the dark. Most of the early morning walkers cleaned it up.

There are rules and instructions posted at the Fire Pit on keeping that area safe while in use and when leaving, though the sign has been unfotunately covered in graffiti.

When one of our staffers took a picture of the Fire Pit this morning, there was an elderly woman picking up a lot of garbage.

And another reader emailed that cars filled with high schol age kids have started parking on streets around Laurelhurst Elementary School with music blaring and possibly drinking and drugs going on inside the cars.

"When the cars finally leave, there is always a lot of garbage left on the street and on the sidewalk.  The cars also often circle the school with the music blasting very loud till very late at night," the reader said.

The Park closes at 10pm daily and everyone is required to leave at that time.

Residents are enouraged to call 911 to report disturbances, especially those after 10pm in the Park.