Dan Field
dan.lakesun@gmail.com
The Osage Beach Fire Protection District Board of Directors has approved a measure that bans all open-flame cooking devices on decks of multi-family residences with some exceptions.
Multi-family occupancies/residences do not include one- and two-family dwellings, and refer to condo and apartment complexes and townhome complexes.
According to Fire Chief Paul Berardi, the ban — if ultimately approved by the OBFPD board — would ban charcoal burners and other open-flame devices on combustible balconies within 10 feet of combustible materials.
Chief Berardi explained that LP-gas grills cook with open flame so unless they have a gas container less than 2.5 pounds, LP gas grills are not allowed unless they are 10 feet or more from combustible materials.
The OBFPD board of directors approved the measure Tuesday, April 18. A 90-day public comment period is in effect with three public meetings scheduled.
Exceptions include:
•One- and two-family dwellings.
•Where buildings, balconies and decks are protected by an automatic sprinkler system.
•LP-gas cooking devices having an LP-gas container with a water capacity not greater than 2.5 pounds. A one-pound container is preferred.
The public may comment via email to info@obfire.net and in person at 4 p.m. on the first Wednesday of May, June and July at 1170 Bluff Drive in Osage Beach. Meetings are scheduled May 3, June 7 and July 5 to allow for public comment.
The OBFPD has informed management companies and operators of multi-family occupancies by mail of the upcoming change and the 90-day public comment period.
According to the National Fire Protection Association, fire departments across the country responded to an estimated average of 10,600 home structure and outdoor fires involving grills per year during 2014–2018. These fires caused an average of 10 civilian deaths, 160 civilian injuries and $149 million in direct property damage annually. The term grill in this report includes all grills, hibachis and barbecues.
