Legislative History notes are not part of this ordinance, but they are official records of Council intent. Likewise, Practice Notes are not law, but they do reflect the staff's best, reasoned opinion on the application of law. Hyperlinks have been inserted by the editor and have no bearing on the law, its underlying intent, or its application.
Title Ten—Quick Links
Chapter 1. Prohibited Acts.
Chapter 2. Designated Providers.
§ 10-101. Authority.
§ 10-102. Accumulation of Combustible Materials.
§ 10-103. Defective Chimneys, Etc.
§ 10-104. Carrying of Open Flames.
§ 10-105. Fires.
§ 10-106. Reserved.
§ 10-107. Deposit of Materials Likely to Cause Fires.
§ 10-108. Flammable Decorations.
§ 10-109. Penalties.
§ 10-101. Authority. This title is enacted under the authority of § 15.1-839 of the Code of Virginia. Sections of this title may have additional authority as well.
Practice Note: Section 15.1-839 is now codified as Va. Code, § 15.2-1102. See also Va. Code, § 27-97.
§ 10-102. Accumulation of Combustible Materials. No person shall permit any waste, paper, straw, litter, weeds, or any other combustible material to accumulate on property owned or occupied by him in such a manner as to create an unreasonable risk of fire.
§ 10-103. Defective Chimneys, etc. No person shall permit a chimney, roof, or stove pipe to be in such condition as to create an unreasonable risk of fire.
§ 10-104. Carrying of Open Flames. No person shall ignite any open flame in or carry open flame into a building where combustible materials are stored openly.
§ 10-105. Fires. No outdoor fire shall be kindled or maintained
(i) Within 225 feet of a different parcel zoned R-1, R-2, or R-3,
(ii) Before 4:00 p.m., or
(iii) Within 75 feet of any building.
This section, however, shall not apply to fires used for cooking or to any commercially available device fueled by propane. Violation of this section shall constitute a Class 2 misdemeanor.
Practice Note: This exception for cooking applies to fires principally used for cooking and of a type ordinarily used for cooking. Roasting a hot dog, for example, on a pile of burning trash does not constitute a fire "used for cooking."
§ 10-106. Reserved.
§ 10-107. Deposit of Materials Likely to Cause Fires. No person shall deposit hot ashes, smoldering coals, any flammable petroleum based material, or any other material likely to create or support a spontaneous ignition near any combustible material so as to create an unreasonable risk of fire.
§ 10-108. Flammable Decorations. Cotton batting, straw, dry vines, leaves, trees, celluloid, paper, or other readily flammable materials shall not be used for decorative purposes in show windows, stores, or any place of assembly unless such materials shall have first been treated and rendered flame-proof; provided, however, that nothing in this section shall be held to prohibit the display of saleable goods permitted and offered for sale in stores. Electric light bulbs in stores and in any place of assembly shall not be decorated with paper or other combustible materials unless such papers or materials shall first have been rendered flame-proof.
§ 10-109. Penalties. Any violation of this title shall constitute a class two misdemeanor and be punished in accordance with § 1-4 of this code.
Practice Note: Section 1-4 has been recodified as § 1-104.
§ 10-201. Designation.
§ 10-202. Units.
§ 10-201. Designation. The Bridgewater Volunteer Fire Company, Incorporated, is designated as the Fire Department of the Town of the Bridgewater. The Bridgewater Volunteer Rescue Squad, Inc., is designated as the Emergency Medical Service provider of the Town of Bridgewater. These two entities (collectively “the Units”) shall be deemed “first responders” within the Town, and for purposes of Va. Code, § 2.2-1122(D), they are recognized as part of the Town’s safety program.
§ 10-202. Limitations.
(a) The Town reserves such other powers as the Code of Virginia may grant it with respect to the Units.
(b) Nothing in this Chapter shall create a command structure allowing the Town to control the Units. Indeed, to the extent that any governmental control is appropriate, the Town recognizes Rockingham County’s unique responsibility to maintain a coordinated fire and rescue system throughout the entire county.
(c) This Chapter shall have no effect outside boundaries of the Town of Bridgewater.
(d) Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to create any duty for public support of the Units.