Cooking on outdoor contained grills is allowed despite a citywide burn ban issued last week in Fayetteville.
The news came in a statement issued by city Fire Marshal Harley Hunt.
From the release:
“During the burn ban in Fayetteville, cooking on outdoor-contained grills (not open fire pits) will be allowed. However, the Fayetteville Fire Marshal urges extreme caution to be taken when using outdoor grills/barbeques. If a fire should occur as a result of the grill, the person(s) responsible will be held liable. The Fayetteville Fire Marshal’s Office strongly discourages grills being used in garages, workshops, and enclosed areas. No open fire pits will be allowed.”
Hunt offered the following precautions for anyone considering outdoor grilling:
- Place grills on hard level surface at least 20-feet from any building
- Have a garden hose available
- If using on grass or lawn, wet the area prior to lighting
- Let hot ashes/coals cool before handling
- Leave ashes in the grill for 24 hours, place ashes/coals in metal container with water and stir, leave overnight
- Do not place discarded ashes/coals near any buildings
- Allow gas grills to cool two hours prior to placing them under coverings or inside for storage
All fireworks are prohibited under this burn ban with the exception of pre-permitted, professional firework displays such as the July 4 event at the Northwest Arkansas Mall.
The implied permission (pretty sure don’t have authority to ban grills, anyway) really strikes a sour chord and takes away from the message, but the grill safety tips are much appreciated.
I think we’re going to have an uphill battle on the fireworks, its the 4th and people are going to shoot ‘em. At some point we need to trust in the responsibility and judgement of our fellow citizens, I think we’ll be alright. I wonder how many fireworks ordinances are being issued per day right now?
13 years in the education sector have eroded my trust in people to use good judgement or take responsibility for their own actions…
The 4th of July is one of the busiest days for hospital emergency rooms. It is also the busiest day of the year for firefighters. So, I think that the “responsibility of judgment of our fellow citizens” is clearly lacking. I have two juicy ribeyes in the freezer that I’m dying to toss on the grill but my yard area is so dry, I can’t risk it, not only for my property, but also my neighbors’. My right to sparkly explosives is trumped by my neighbors’ right to not deal with a fire.
If you end up having to cook them indoors, a hint: use a cast-iron grill pan sprinkled liberally with kosher salt (easier to clean) and very hot.
More to the point, if you can get to Ozark Natural Foods before you cook them– and are so inclined despite their recent debacle– they have apple-wood-smoked sea salt and smoked peppercorns in the spice section. Mmm, mmm, mmmm. Rubbing the steaks with olive oil will ensure good grill contact and heat transfer with little sticking, help salt and pepper adhere, and will help to lessen any freezer flavor that might have made it into the meat.
I hope you enjoy your Fourth.