Air Quality Burn Ban

[yakman]

So here I am getting all excited about the Stupor Bowl, friends coming to the house, and Q'ing some ribs on Sunday. Then it hits me, we're in a stage 2 burn ban, meaning no outdoor fires. A search of the internet to determine if that also prohibits the use of BBQs and smokers produced nothing...if anything I was left more confused after reading the language in the regulation. I finally called the sheriff's department and asked if they could answer my question. The lady who answered the phone indicated it was a good question but wasn't able to give me an immediate answer. She took my phone number and said she'd check around and call back. It didn't take long and the phone rang.....she indicated I could use the smoker all I wanted!!! With that news, my Stupor Bowl and Q plans are back on track! I was kind of bummed for a while fearing Bodacious would have to sit idle after promising my friends great BBQ tomorrow. Time to get shopping for tomorrow's festivities.

[Goat]

This would be a good time to implement " it is better to beg for forgiveness than to ask for permission".

[yakman]

Yeah, a lot of people have been doing that. The local clean air authority has been putting out the word, "warnings are over, fines will be issued". Any rate, glad to know firing up Bodacious isn't going to get me a fine!

[mykidsdad]

So here I am getting all excited about the Stupor Bowl, friends coming to the house, and Q'ing some ribs on Sunday. Then it hits me, we're in a stage 2 burn ban, meaning no outdoor fires. A search of the internet to determine if that also prohibits the use of BBQs and smokers produced nothing...if anything I was left more confused after reading the language in the regulation. I finally called the sheriff's department and asked if they could answer my question. The lady who answered the phone indicated it was a good question but wasn't able to give me an immediate answer. She took my phone number and said she'd check around and call back. It didn't take long and the phone rang.....she indicated I could use the smoker all I wanted!!! With that news, my Stupor Bowl and Q plans are back on track! I was kind of bummed for a while fearing Bodacious would have to sit idle after promising my friends great BBQ tomorrow. Time to get shopping for tomorrow's festivities.


We get the burn ban situation up here in the Rockies during fire season. Contact the fire marshal or firefighting authority for your area. Explain to them that you are using wood for a cooking purpose, not for ambiance. You might be able to wrangle a WRITTEN exemption depending on the specific language of your local laws.

Local law enforcement might decide to write you up regardless of theor understanding of the law and you will have to fight it later. You DON'T need that hassle. Just flash the signed letter from the firemarshal and they will be on their way.

A few portions of good Q will also help grease the wheels of government. Make them aware that you have in place firesafety precatiuons in place as well.

[yakman]

You might be able to wrangle a WRITTEN exemption depending on the specific language of your local laws.

I think you're right. I did jot down the name of the person I talked to this morning just in case someone decided I was breaking the law. Kind of sad that with all the other stuff polluting our air, we have to worry about breaking the law if we generate a little smoke while using our pits. :(

[M38A1]

That and a big fire extinguisher sitting around the firebox somewhere sure would show responsibility and have to factor in their thought process.

[yakman]

I think you're right. I always keep a couple of fire extinguishers close at hand in the garage. However, I should probably consider pulling one out and setting it near Bodacious when I fire her up.