OPEN BURNING. The burning of materials wherein products of combustion are emitted directly into the ambient air without passing through a stack or chimney from an enclosed chamber contained within an appliance that conforms to the Philadelphia Mechanical Code. Open burning does not include road flares, smudgepots and similar devices associated with safety or occupational uses typically considered open flames or recreational fires. For the purposes of this definition, a chamber shall be regarded as enclosed when, during the time combustion occurs, only apertures, ducts, stacks, flues or chimneys necessary to provide combustion air and permit the escape of exhaust gas are open.

F-307.2 Permit required. A permit shall be obtained from the fire code official in accordance with Section F-105.6 with pre-requisite approval by the Department prior to kindling a fire for [recognized silvicultural or range or wildlife management practices, prevention or control of disease or pests, or a] any open burning, bonfire or recreational fire. Application for such approval shall only be presented by and permits issued to the owner of the land upon which the fire is to be kindled.

F-308.3 Open flame. A person shall not utilize or allow to be utilized, an open flame in connection with a public meeting or gathering for purposes of deliberation, worship, entertainment, amusement, instruction, education, recreation, awaiting transportation or similar purpose in assembly or educational occupancies without first obtaining a permit in accordance with Section F-105.6 with pre-requisite approval by the Department.

Exceptions:

1. Small containers of a heating source, such as alcohol or paraffin, for the warming of food when in spill proof containers or used in chaffing dish holders.

2. Heating and cooking equipment used in accordance with Sections F-308.3.1 and F-308.5.

F-308.3.1 Open-flame cooking devices. Charcoal burners and other open-flame cooking devices (barbecue grills, hibachis, or similar devices with or without covers) shall not be operated on combustible balconies, decks or roofs, or within 10 feet (3048 mm) of combustible construction.

Exception[s]:

1. One- and two-family dwellings.

[2. Where buildings, balconies and decks are protected by an automatic sprinkler system.]

F-308.3.1.1 Liquefied-petroleum-gas-fueled cooking devices. LP-gas burners (barbecue grills, hibachis, or similar devices with or without covers) [having an LP-gas container with a water capacity greater than 2.5 pounds [nominal 1 pound (0.454 kg) LP-gas capacity]] shall not be located on [combustible] balconies, decks or roofs, nor within 10 feet (3048 mm) of combustible construction, nor within five feet (1524 mm) of building openings (such as doors, windows and vents).

Exception: One- and two-family dwellings, provided neither the cooking device nor the LP-gas container is located within five feet (1524 mm) of building openings.

F-308.3.5 Religious ceremonies. [When, in the opinion of the fire code official,] Where adequate safeguards have been taken, [participants] the use of candles in religious ceremonies is permitted [are allowed to carry hand-held candles]. Hand-held candles shall not be passed from one person to another while lighted, except as provided in accordance with regulations determined by the Department.

F-308.4 Torches for roofing or removing paint. Persons utilizing a torch or other flame-producing device for roofing or removing paint from a structure shall provide a minimum of one portable fire extinguisher complying with Section F-906 and with a minimum 4-A rating, two portable fire extinguishers, each with a minimum 2-A rating, or a water hose connected to the water supply on the premises where such burning is done. The person doing the burning shall remain on the premises 1 hour after the torch or flame-producing device is utilized. Roofing work utilizing a torch or hot-air gun shall be performed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and NFPA 241.

F-308.4.1 Permit. A permit in accordance with Section F-105.6 shall be secured from the fire code official prior to the utilization of a torch or flame-producing device to do roofing work or remove paint from a structure.

F-308.5 (Remove title and text of subsection and substitute as follows)

F-308.5 Heating and cooking equipment. Portable heating and cooking equipment that produces a flame is not permitted in a building.

Exceptions:

1. Portable heating equipment is permitted in buildings under construction or buildings temporarily without heat in accordance with Section F-3803.2.1.2.

2. Listed and approved portable kerosene heaters are permitted in one- and two-family dwellings. Such heaters shall:

2.1 Be located at least 3 feet (914 mm) from combustible materials;

2.2 Not be left unattended;

2.3 Be shut off before sleeping; and

2.4 Be refueled outside the living quarters and only with kerosene that is stored outside in a safe location.

F-311.2.2 Fire protection. Fire alarm, sprinkler and standpipe systems shall be maintained in an operable condition at all times.

Exceptions:

1. [When the premises have been cleared of all combustible materials and debris and, in the opinion of the fire code official, the type of construction, fire separation distance and security of the premises do not create a fire hazard.] Fire alarm systems are permitted to be placed out of service in buildings with no occupancy provided that all windows, doors and other openings accessible to trespassers are secured against entry by unauthorized persons.

2. Where buildings will not be heated and fire protection systems will be exposed to freezing temperatures, when approved by the Department fire alarm and sprinkler systems are permitted to be placed out of service and standpipes are permitted to be maintained as dry systems (without an automatic water supply) provided the building has no contents or storage, and provided that windows, doors and other openings accessible to trespassers are secured to prohibit entry by unauthorized persons. Where sprinkler systems are permitted to be taken out of service, a sign shall be placed at the fire department connection that reads: "SPRINKLER SYSTEM OUT OF SERVICE." Standpipe systems permitted to be operated as dry systems shall have a sign at the fire department connection that reads: "DRY STANDPIPE."

F-315.2.4 Attic, under-floor and concealed spaces. Storage areas in Group R-2 occupancies, [A]attic, under-floor and concealed spaces used for storage of combustible materials shall be protected on the storage side as required for 1-hour fire-resistance-rated construction. Openings shall be protected by assemblies that are self-closing and are of noncombustible construction or solid wood core not less than 1.75 inches (44.5 mm) in thickness. Storage shall not be placed on exposed joists.

F-315.3.2 Height and area. [Storage in the open shall not exceed 20 feet (6096 mm) in height] The outside storage of combustible materials shall not exceed individual piles of 5,000 square feet (465 m²) in area nor 10 feet (3048 mm) in height. Each storage area shall have fire access lanes at least 15 feet (4572 mm) wide on all sides of each pile. Piles shall be at least 15 feet (4572 mm) from building openings (windows, doors, vents, etc.) and buildings with combustible exterior walls.

Exception: The height of piles of combustible storage is permitted to increase by one foot for each one and one-half foot increase in the width of fire access lanes to a maximum height of 20 feet.