Ask Mr. Answer Person: "How does the City of Decorah define 'cookfires'?"

(Joel e-mails:  "How does the city define "cookfires?"  This is in response to your recent article (http://www.decorahnews.com/news-stories/2015/06/11040.html) suggesting that firepits are illegal per city code.  I think that may be open to interpretation.  The code bans open burning with a few exceptions - one being "cookfires."  However, there is no language defining what a cookfire is other than a statement saying barbecues are included. Doing a quick search online, there are a few definitions of cookfire. Webster's defines it simply as a "fire for cooking." Other sites define a cookfire as a "small fire" as opposed to a bonfire. So, how does the city define cookfire?"

Mr. Answer Person says: "You are correct, Joel, that Decorah's ordinances ban open burning with a couple of exceptions, one being "cookfires."  You are also correct that the city ordinance doesn't define a "cookfire."  However, city officials speak about cookfires the way Webster's does--as a fire used for cooking.  In the past, that has opened a large loophole that has allowed residents to have open fires--so long as they had a package of hot dogs or marshmallows nearby.

Our news story quoted Public Safety Committee chair Bill Wagner as being opposed to any change in the language of the city ordinance, but being willing to discuss the issue at a committee meeting in July.  Stay tuned!




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