KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — The City of Kalamazoo has passed an ordinance in its first reading to both decriminalize and update the city fire code, which currently adheres to the 2009 edition of the International Fire Code.
Per city law, open burns on any private property are prohibited within the city limits, and language regarding contained fire pits is not addressed.
According to the City Commission agenda, the amendments to the fire code would “provide a definition of recreational fires and would require a permit to be obtained prior to conducting a recreational fire.”
The proposed amendments would also allow single and two-family homes to have a recreational fire without a permit under certain conditions.
Resident input was divided during the meeting Monday night. Citizen Jeff Messer raised questions on whether these permits would cost anything, as well as the logic behind allowing single and two-family homes to not need one.
“What is the rationale for exempting the permit requirement at single-family homes and duplexes?” Messer asked. “It seems like target discrimination against lower-income people and the student population to require them to obtain permits.”
On the other hand, citizen Jill McCormick raised concerns about open fires causing asthma problems, even going so far as to suggest that no fires be permitted in Kalamazoo.
“A lot of my neighbors burn, and it’s caused me asthma problems over the years,” McCormick said. “I’m asking that we consider having no fires whatsoever in the city of Kalamazoo.”
Fire Marshal Jim Williams also weighed in, acknowledging that many people enjoy having an outdoor fire, but that it must be done with proper precautions.
“Many people like the freedom of having a fire,” Williams said. “We’re trying to allow that freedom to be there, and trying to do it safely.”
The motion to pass the first reading of the amendments was ultimately carried.
