BINGHAMTON – Outdoor cooking and bonfires are often most popular in the spring and summer months, and to ensure such activities are safe and enjoyable, the City of Binghamton would like to remind residents of the city code relating to open burning, as well as several fire safety measures.

“I urge residents to review our city ordinances on open burning, and practice fire prevention and control measures,” said Mayor Ryan. “The City is enforcing the law strictly, and offering safety tips for residents. Working together, we can prevent accidents before they happen, and make sure our community is safe and secure.”

Under City Ordinance , open burning is entirely prohibited, except under the following conditions:

Outdoor cooking: Open burning will be permitted for outdoor cooking when the fire is limited to the minimal size necessary, and contained in a device designed for that purpose. All applicable and/or reasonable safety precautions must be taken.

Recreation: Open burning for recreational purposes (bonfires) shall be permitted only for organization-sponsored events, and restricted to those meeting all of the requirements of the “open fire application.” No fire shall be ignited prior to an on-site inspection and written approval from the City of Binghamton, including approval of the Fire Marshal.

Residents cooking outdoors can find fire safety tips in the “BBQ Fire Safety Fact Sheet,” which is published by the State Office of Fire Prevention and Control. The sheet offers tips and precautions for using both charcoal briquette barbeques and gas barbeques, and for holding outdoor barbeques when large groups of people are present.