Council adopts fire-code changes to expand forbidden outdoor burning materials

The Weatherford City Council approved amendments to the city’s fire code that clarify section numbering and expand the list of materials explicitly prohibited from outdoor burning, including treated wood, plastics and tires.

Fire Marshal Kevin Dozier told the council the proposed changes correct numbering errors in the adopted code and add language to allow enforcement against burning hazardous or illegal materials. "So currently, our code prohibits the burning of common debris, leaves, trash, limbs, grass clippings," Dozier said; the proposed ordinance would add explicit language addressing hazardous materials and illegal burning practices that are not currently enumerated. He referenced at least one recent incident involving the burning of sofas and other household materials that revealed enforcement gaps.

After a brief public hearing with no speakers, council moved and approved the ordinance amendments. Council members thanked the fire marshal for identifying language gaps and bringing the amendment forward.