By COLE REIF
Great Bend Post
With the colder weather, Great Bend City Council member Lindsey Krom-Craven mentioned receiving complaints about what materials citizens are burning in their fireplaces or fire pits. Krom-Craven was concerned about residents burning wood that has been doused or soaked in oil.
Councilmember Alan Moeder echoed Krom-Craven’s concern for the resident and neighbors.
"It's a concern for two reasons," said Moeder. "It can start an unwanted fire because that gets very hot. Secondly, that does not put out a very good smell when it burns."
While the Environment Protection Agency (EPA) has regulations, Krom-Craven said there is no city ordinance that restricts what citizens burn. The council suggested that city attorney Allen Glendenning organize a possible ordinance on what materials can be burned.
"There is a remedy that is available right now for neighbors having this nuisance," said Glendenning. "They could file a nuisance action in district court. You might think about if this is widespread enough to make it a criminal matter. At that point, we would maybe get warrants and look at what people are burning in their fireplaces."
Glendenning said the fire hazard exists for those lighting the oil-soaked wood, but noted the big issue is the pollution that goes up the chimney and affects people around the house.