The Observation Deck

A fire pit in an Alameda yard triggered a garage fire on Cohassett last night. We got the full regalia of engines and ambulances and police for about three hours as Lakewood's finest put it out. Lots of smoke and sparks, it looked scary. Fortunately no one hurt, but lots of peeved residents on Cohassett.

First, thanks to the crews ... there is a benefit to seeing their training and preparation pay off in efficient, effective control of a scary situation. Nothing but respect.

People do love their fire pits, but there's a reason why they are, by restrictions of the law, not legal for most residential properties.

You can approach a neighbor and ask nicely to have them put the fire out, and if that doesn't work, the fire department is more than happy to do it for them if you call. Don't be timid, they will thank you for calling and will take care of the situation ... they much prefer sending a pickup with a fire extinguisher than to have to unleash the full-on resources of our fine fire department.

What exactly are the regulations for fire pits in Lakewood? I have several neighbors who use them regularly. They don't bother me much since I am a camper and like the smell of an open fire but I wonder about the safety factor since houses and garages are so close together in our city.

Bill Burnett wrote:What exactly are the regulations for fire pits in Lakewood? I have several neighbors who use them regularly. They don't bother me much since I am a camper and like the smell of an open fire but I wonder about the safety factor since houses and garages are so close together in our city.

At least 25' away from any structure, or 15' of a public right away,
no larger than 3' in diameter and 2' tall.

There are variations, food so is marshmallow food?
(Grills are not allowed on porches)

Or complaints of neighbors, with smoke and ashes.

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Yes food. I have heard about someone, not in Lakewood, who keeps a package of hot dogs near his fire. The package is something like 4 years old but just in case he can show the fire is for cooking.

Last I heard the fire was not caused by the fire pit.

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that's what the residents were saying as it was happening ..if they were mistaken or you have better info Jim, this thread can be pulled.

Paul Schrimpf wrote:that's what the residents were saying as it was happening ..if they were mistaken or you have better info Jim, this thread can be pulled.

Paul

A fireman mentioned that the cause is now somewhere near the car or an acceleraant,
and it was merely mentioned in passing.

No need to remove, this is how the process work, one posts on thing, another something,
someone else something else and pretty soon we have not just the facts, but what is the
impact on the neighborhood.

nice to see it working.


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