Illegal blazes prompt CRFD to share the proper method to start a fire

CEDAR RAPIDS - Firefighters demonstrated the correct way to have a recreational fire Friday by staging one outside Fire Station 9 in northeast Cedar Rapids.

The demonstration came after 53 of 68 recreational blazes that firefighters were dispatched to from March through May were categorized as illegal.

'This is our opportunity to try to educate people,” said Greg Buelow, the city's public safety spokesman.

Recreational fires must be 25 feet from a building or material that could catch fire. If the fire is covered, the distance required is only 15 feet.

'If you have winds of greater than 15 mph, let's refrain from having that fire,” fire marshal Vance McKinnon said.

Residents should burn only clean, uncontaminated and untreated wood. People also should avoid burning waste such as leaves and garbage.

The firefighters also emphasized the importance of letting neighbors know about plans to have a recreational fire.

'A lot of folks are just not being good neighbors,” said Josh Jensen, captain of Fire Station 9.

Even if a fire complies with all the requirements, multiple complaints may snuff it out.

'If we do have to come back, we're going to make you put the fire out,” Jensen said.

An air pollution complaint from illegal burning can result in a $200 fine.

Recreational fires also should be supervised and fully extinguished. Six of the 53 recreational fires found to violate city ordinance did not have a 'visible means of extinguishment.”