Gratz Borough is sharing an information flyer to help residents understand the Borough’s burning rules under the ordinance adopted July 8, 2020.
The ordinance prohibits burning materials such as plastics, tires, treated or painted wood, construction debris, corrugated cardboard, hazardous substances and certain other waste. Trees, stumps, leaves, brush and grass clippings are also prohibited unless an applicable ordinance exception applies.
Confined burning, including burn barrels, must meet specific container, location and safety requirements. Materials must originate on the property where they are burned. Burning is allowed during daylight hours, and fires must be completely extinguished by sunset or 7 p.m., whichever comes first. The person tending the fire must remain until it is completely extinguished and have fire-extinguishing equipment readily available.
The ordinance treats recreational campfires and outdoor fireplaces separately from confined burning. A campfire must be contained, intended for recreation or cooking, and no more than six feet wide and two feet high. A fire used to dispose of waste does not qualify as a campfire.
Residents should check for applicable burn bans before burning and take care to prevent smoke, odors or fire hazards from affecting neighboring properties. Seasonal yard-waste burning is permitted only when Council specifically authorizes a limited cleanup period; it is not automatically allowed each spring or fall.
Please review the attached flyer for details about prohibited materials, setbacks, containers, exceptions and penalties. The flyer summarizes the 2020 ordinance. The full ordinance and applicable law control.
Questions or concerns may be directed to Gratz Borough at 717-365-3399 or contact us here. For a fire emergency, call 911.
