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Hypothetical Situation
Let's say that one day you,as a FF, were doing yardwork, maybe burning a small patch of grass, and then the wind picks up as soon as you light it. It then spreads to nearby fields and then onward. Obviousely 911 needs to be called. Firefighters respond and put it out. Question is: Is there some kind of in-house penalty for this? I don't mean fines or suspensions...I mean stuff like a dollar in the jar type of thing. or buying coffee and donuts for the house, or something along them lines. I realise a lot of ball-busting will be going on. Just wondering what other depts in-house policies are on this type of situation.
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Paul Montpetit on
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No penalties....But you would be the target of more than a few jokes in the months to come.....LOL
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Permalink Reply by Jack/dt on
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1) what are the local ordinances regarding open burning?
2) Is a permit required, if so was one obtained?
3) was this at a time when there was a risk/danger for grass/wild fires?
4) what was it about the particular "small patch of grass" that offended thee?
5) how many kinds of stupid are there?
All of the above being posted hypothetically, of course.
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Permalink Reply by Derek R. on
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lol.....
1) around that particualr area.....just be careful
2)not at that time, Early in the season. pre-permit.
3)no risk( seemingly) Spring season/no wind(at the time)
4)expanding a garden, easier to dig through short grass than thick heavy grass. Was just a 10ft X 10ft section.
5)apparently there are many kinds of stupid. More added daily.
All above are hypothetical....of course.
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Permalink Reply by Oldman on
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In Texas, according to the Local Government Code; any person who starts a fire that causes damage to property without the consent of the owner may be charged with Reckless Damage or Destruction, a Class C misdemeanor, or Arson, a felony. In addition,there would be restitution for damages to the property owner because your fire got out of hand, hypothetically speaking.
However, your fire is not going to get out of hand, because you paid attention in training, kept an eye on the current and projected weather forecasts. You didn't leave the fire unattended, had a clear break 1 1/2 times the projected flame height, and had a good water supply at hand. You did, didn't you?
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Permalink Reply by FETC on
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So hypothetically how much did you lose?
In NH, unauthorized burning is against the law and subject to fines.... most likely outside of our in-house department. The state would get involved. If it really gets away from you and nearby structures are lost, you will also own all of that costs as well.
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ok....whoaaaaa...hold on a sec. I need to do some clarification here.
not-hypothetical
#1 this was about a month into joining the VFD. No training. Did make a fire break, but apparently not big enough.
#2 Early to mid Spring. Actually was thanked by all owners of affected fields. Mind you they were laughing when doing so.
#3 Weather was fine (at the time) wind just picked up a bit, nothing tornado like, just a breeze.
#4 Did have rakes and shovels and a back tank. Just wasn't enough.
#5 There were NO nearby structures.
#6 unauthorized burning is not illegal unless you are looking to burn down your old house or barn or something of that nature. This was a 10 X 10ft patch of grass.
#7 I wasn't looking for legalities, just wanted to know what kind of in-house "penalties" some dept's may have. This wasn't meant for discussion on state laws.
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But now that we have your attention....
We don't have a jar or anything like that, but I'm sure you'd be "rode hard" for a little while. Rest assured, you are not the only one that has ever had this happen, and you won't be the last. Use it as a learning experience, and be thankful nobody got hurt, and think how green things will be next spring.
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one more clarification...this happened about 5 years ago.
And, yes, we were talked about quite a bit for a while.
We made a donation to the VFD in thanks for their service. They still didn't ease up on us though.
Now, 5 years later, I am aware of the safeties and precautions that are needed, and the rules that may apply. And it certainly was a learning experience.
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Permalink Reply by Anita King on
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We have had it happen here, and the only penalty was a LOT of teasing.
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Permalink Reply by Brian Dumser on
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I'd have to buy ice cream for the station, and if I was burning illegally, the Village would probably cite and/or fine me.
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Permalink Reply by Loyd Dittfurth on
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That depends on what part of texas your from. Up here in the panhandle you can burn your own house down and its ok as long as you dont try to claim insurance on it.
Ive seen it done of course it was 1 am and the guy was drunk. Divorce is a terrible thing
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Permalink Reply by John Crabbe on
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Aside from all the other legal stuff....the question was about an "in-house penalty".
Considering hitting a curb= pop for the crew
leaving the door up= pop for crew
not knowing where something is located= pop for the crew
forgetting to turn the lights on= pop for the crew
any other simple infraction= pop for the crew
if multiple curbs hit before pop can be purchased = malts
more serious infractions penalties are determined as necessary for upgrades
oh and you are pretty much joke fodder for awhile
What doesn't get joked about would be anytime an emergency situation exists or MAYDAY etc is called. If a MAYDAY were to be called and the FF's are safely removed, there is absolutely no reason to bust chops, joke around etc.
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