Question: What are the laws pertaining to open burning of imu fires in residential neighborhoods? I have a neighbor who says as long he calls the fire department before he lights the imu and gives his address, it is OK. There are children in our area who are asthmatic. The smoke when starting the fire goes through my house, and the smell gets into fabrics, and the long hours of the cooking smell is unpleasant.
Answer: The salient points are covered in Chapter 20 of the Revised Ordinances of Honolulu, which holds Oahu’s Fire Code. You can read the full text at 808ne.ws/1Skrj59. In a nutshell, the section about “open burning fires” states that the Honolulu Fire Department’s Fire Communication Center shall be notified 15 minutes before an imu is lit, that such a cooking fire may be prohibited if authorities deem it hazardous and that “if smoke and odors become a nuisance to neighboring property tenants, the fire shall be immediately extinguished.”
A Fire Department spokesman said HFD regularly receives calls from people reporting that they will be lighting an imu, which is allowed as long as they:
>> Obtain approval from the owner, operator or manager of the property where they plan to light the imu.
>> Dig the imu where its fire cannot accidentally spread and create a fire hazard.
>> Avoid locating the imu where its smoke will blow into or across homes.
>> Call 723-FIRE (723-3473) to notify the Fire Communication Center prior to lighting the imu.
If your neighbor’s imu is more a nuisance than a hazard, you might prefer to call the Fire Communication Center to report an apparent violation. However, if your neighbor’s cooking fire puts your life, health or property in immediate danger, call 911 immediately, said Capt. David Jenkins, an HFD spokesman.
Jenkins said that the Fire Department urges anyone who is lighting an imu fire, or even using a small backyard barbecue grill, to be considerate. Place cooking fires where the smoke will least affect neighbors. Consider the direction of the wind and where it will push the smoke. Remember that seniors and those with health problems might be more sensitive to smoke.
“Understand that whether you are using a small grill or an imu, and even if you informed the HFD’s FCC, the HFD can still order that it be extinguished or moved if the responding fire captain determines it is a fire hazard or the fire’s smoke is a nuisance that inconveniences others,” he said.
One of the reasons that HFD requires people to call ahead is so that the department can quickly assess whether 911 calls are inspired by the thick smoke the cooking pits initially generate. To that end, the department has advice for residents who see smoke and are uncertain about whether to report it as an emergency:
>> Forests and fields: Any smoke coming from a forested area or open field should be reported immediately by calling 911.
>> Around homes or buildings: Many people know that hibachi smoke is light in color and volume. However, if you see a larger amount of smoke, especially increasing in size and and intensity, call 911. If it is an imu fire, HFD should have been notified and the dispatcher will inform you.
>> In all cases: Be as precise as possible in describing where the smoke originates. If it is far away, give the dispatcher your location and the position of landmarks or buildings in relation to the smoke.
Mahalo
Mahalo to the kind gentleman who stopped his car and rushed to my aid after I took a hard fall while jogging in Hawaii Kai on Super Bowl Sunday. I also appreciate the police, firefighters and ambulance crew who were so quick to arrive after receiving his 911 call. It was so heartwarming that all of these folks helped so quickly, especially the gentleman who summoned them all. In all the excitement I failed to get his name. I have some bumps and bruises, but I will heal. I am lucky and very grateful. —Clumsy but OK
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