Residents fired up over illegal burning
DUNBAR — Dunbar Borough Council has agreed to see to it that an ordinance on illegal burning is better enforced after several residents were fired up about burning.
Council heard from residents this week during a work session that alleged their neighbors are continuing to burn trash, plastics, diapers, construction debris and numerous other items that are considered to be in violation of the borough’s burning ordinance.
Tammy Nedrow, borough secretary/treasurer, said some residents also stressed they are having a hard time breathing from the smoke because of health conditions. They requested the borough take affirmative action on enforcing the ordinance as well as revising the number of days permitted to burn from three to either two or one.
The ordinance currently states that residents are permitted to burn from dawn to dusk on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.
The use of backyard campfires also sparked concern, which Nedrow said follows the same rules as burning, which would then prohibit it.
However, the ordinance does not specifically state any restrictions against backyard campfires, which prompted residents to request it be amended to include recreational campfire guidelines.
Council agreed to look into revising the ordinance, which they plan to propose next month.
Council also encouraged residents with further concerns or suggestions to revising the ordinance to contact a council member or the borough office.
Additionally, Nedrow said council will continue to accept letters of interest to fill the vacancy of former councilwoman Laureen Malachin, who resigned this month.
To date, Nedrow said council has received one letter and plans to appoint someone at the regular meeting June 11.