Ocean Pines safety officials provided community updates on rules and regulations during the latest board of directors meeting, namely on fireworks safety as the Fourth of July holiday approaches.
The Ocean Pines Volunteer Fire Department headquarters.
File photo
By Tara Fischer, Staff Writer
As summer heats up, Ocean Pines safety officials provided community updates, rules, and regulations during the Saturday, June 15, OPA Board of Directors meeting.
As the neighborhood’s Fourth of July celebration planning continues, Ocean Pines Volunteer Fire Department President Joe Enste urged residents to leave the fireworks to the professionals.
“We have had firework mishaps before,” he said. “With all the brush and how close our community is to one another, it can cause issues.”
The firefighter also cautioned homeowners against improper bonfire and grill etiquette. Because properties are roughly a quarter acre and space between houses is limited, Enste reminded individuals to practice safety during these summer activities.
According to the OPVFD’s website, which outlines the organization’s fire pit regulations, a steady supply of water or a flame extinguisher must be nearby, an adult must always be present, and the burning of plastic, treated wood, grass, rubber, leavers, pallets, or household trash is prohibited.
The homeowner must notify the property’s Compliance, Permits, and Inspections Department of the fire pit. The structure must be placed on a level, non-combustible surface, and it may not be used in wind over 15 miles per hour. Additional safety rules can be found on the fire group’s webpage.