FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok YouTube Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Restoration
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In

Discussion Forum

Discussion Forum

NFPA!

ncproperties | Posted in General Discussion on March 7, 2009 03:42am

Don’t get me wrong everybody is for saving lives and protecting fire fighters, fine, no problem. We all here are also aware of the horror stories of complying with the NFPA in regards to construction at ALL levels from a simple shed to hospital life safety systems.

Some regulation is necessary like panic bars, sprinkler systems, and egresses etc…that sort of stuff I don’t have a problem with.

However who, when, and how do I join to stop these guy’s monopoly on mother natures gift, and governments’ blind acceptance of their every whim? It’s absurd and has to stop!

Worst is their code is taken for enforceable law without any representation and their a private, money making organization. Their code is only law when adopted by an elected body of law. Which is the other problem. Most counties, cities, towns, villages, etc… are not involved enough to stop and think, and blindly adopt the entire uniform code for all fire protection.

A code that, if apparently is so important should be publicly available, yet you can’t hardly even view it in it’s entirety without paying for, from the NFPA. (Again because their out to fund their occupation.)

My problem is, out of curiosity wanted to find the ordnances related to outdoor fires prior to stoking my hugely dangerous, life threatening, inferno of a back yard fire hearth. You know those raised 16†round metal dishes with wire cage surround, lid, on wheels for your deck. Ya, well my Township adopted the code and even these are illegal. Technically even a charcoal grill if you lit it with newspaper would be illegal. Not that it’s stopped me before or going to tonight.

Anyway, anybody know a counter opposition to the NFPA this absurdity has got to be stopped?

Reply
  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles

Replies

  1. Stuart | Mar 07, 2009 04:14am | #1

    As far as I know the NFPA doesn't prohibit fire pits. I did a quick search online and found this on a page of the NFPA site regarding public education of fire hazards:

    Outdoor burning

    Call the local fire department or municipality before outdoor or open air burning. This includes campfires, brush fires, fire pits, chimeneas, and outdoor fireplaces. You may not be permitted to do outdoor burning in some municipalities and during some seasons of the year. Closely attend all outdoor fires.
    Avoid burning on windy, dry days. When conditions are windy or dry, it is too easy for open burning to spread out of control.
    Gasoline or other flammable or combustible liquids should not be used to burn trash, brush, or other waste.
    Use chimeneas, outdoor fireplaces, and fire pits outdoors only and at least 10 feet away from the home or anything that can burn.

    http://www.nfpa.org

    There may be some additional requirements regarding the construction of a fire pit and how far it needs to be located away from structures, but I suspect your local government added the total ban on their use.

  2. McPlumb | Mar 07, 2009 04:29am | #2

    Last week the local volunteer fire dept. distributed a paper explaining what could and could not be burnt. It included a paper from the EPA, according to this paper you can build a fire 5' high by 5' wide for ceremonial purpose. Using firewood only.

    A smaller ceremony might require a smaller fire.

    Good luck!!!!!

    1. joeh | Mar 07, 2009 04:38am | #3

      according to this paper you can build a fire 5' high by 5' wide for ceremonial purpose. Using firewood only.

      So, necklaceing is a no-no.

      Damn, saved all those old tires for nothing.

      Joe H

  3. drh | Mar 07, 2009 06:31pm | #4

    See if http://bulk.resource.org/codes.gov/ has the information you are looking for.

    You aren't the only one who feels that way about building codes...

    Carl Malamud, who started the site believes that codes should be in the public domain and has posted them, inviting a lawsuit because he believes he will win...

    I think he has had victories with similar things (making court cases available online, SEC filings, etc.)

    1. User avater
      bobl | Mar 07, 2009 06:49pm | #5

      IIRC there was a court ruling that if a code is made law, public has a right to see it. doesn't change having to pay for a copy tho, admin costs etc. 

      bobl          Volo, non valeo

      Baloney detecter    WFR

      "But when you're a kibbutzer and have no responsibility to decide the facts and apply the law, you can reach any conclusion you want because it doesn't matter." SHG

    2. jrnbj | Mar 07, 2009 08:29pm | #6

      D*mn, that's nice
      I hope he can keep it up.

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

Video Shorts

Categories

  • Business
  • Code Questions
  • Construction Techniques
  • Energy, Heating & Insulation
  • General Discussion
  • Help/Work Wanted
  • Photo Gallery
  • Reader Classified
  • Tools for Home Building

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

Putting Drywall Sanders to the Test: Power, Precision, and Dust Control

A pro painter evaluates a variety of drywall sanders and dust collection systems for quality of finish, user fatigue, and more.

Featured Video

A Modern California Home Wrapped in Rockwool Insulation for Energy Efficiency and Fire Resistance

The designer and builder of the 2018 Fine Homebuilding House detail why they chose mineral-wool batts and high-density boards for all of their insulation needs.

Related Stories

  • A Summer Retreat Preserved in the Catskill Mountains
  • Fine Homebuilding Issue #332 Online Highlights
  • The Trump Administration Wants to Eliminate the Energy Star Program
  • Podcast Episode 685: Patching Drywall, Adding Air Barriers, and Rotted Walls

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 331 - June 2025
    • A More Resilient Roof
    • Tool Test: You Need a Drywall Sander
    • Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps
  • Issue 330 - April/May 2025
    • Deck Details for Durability
    • FAQs on HPWHs
    • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
  • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
    • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
    • A Kominka Comes West
    • Making Small Kitchens Work
  • Issue 328 - Dec/Jan 2024
    • How a Pro Replaces Columns
    • Passive House 3.0
    • Tool Test: Compact Line Lasers
  • Issue 327 - November 2024
    • Repairing Damaged Walls and Ceilings
    • Plumbing Protection
    • Talking Shop

Fine Home Building

Newsletter Sign-up

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox.

  • Green Building Advisor

    Building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox.

  • Old House Journal

    Repair, renovation, and restoration tips, plus special offers, in your inbox.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters

Follow

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell or share my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

  • Home Group
  • Antique Trader
  • Arts & Crafts Homes
  • Bank Note Reporter
  • Cabin Life
  • Cuisine at Home
  • Fine Gardening
  • Fine Woodworking
  • Green Building Advisor
  • Garden Gate
  • Horticulture
  • Keep Craft Alive
  • Log Home Living
  • Military Trader/Vehicles
  • Numismatic News
  • Numismaster
  • Old Cars Weekly
  • Old House Journal
  • Period Homes
  • Popular Woodworking
  • Script
  • ShopNotes
  • Sports Collectors Digest
  • Threads
  • Timber Home Living
  • Traditional Building
  • Woodsmith
  • World Coin News
  • Writer's Digest
Active Interest Media logo
X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Online Learning

  • Courses
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • FHB House
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Follow

  • X
  • YouTube
  • instagram
  • facebook
  • pinterest
  • Tiktok

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 70%

Subscribe

Enjoy unlimited access to Fine Homebuilding. Join Now

Already a member? Log in

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in

Privacy Policy Update

We use cookies, pixels, script and other tracking technologies to analyze and improve our service, to improve and personalize content, and for advertising to you. We also share information about your use of our site with third-party social media, advertising and analytics partners. You can view our Privacy Policy here and our Terms of Use here.

Cookies

Analytics

These cookies help us track site metrics to improve our sites and provide a better user experience.

Advertising/Social Media

These cookies are used to serve advertisements aligned with your interests.

Essential

These cookies are required to provide basic functions like page navigation and access to secure areas of the website.

Delete My Data

Delete all cookies and associated data