HSVPOA Fire Chief Jason Miller Tackles HOT Topics at November Board Meeting

The conversation at the Wednesday, November 20, 2024, Board Meeting heated up when Fire Chief Jason Miller tackled some hot topics. He discussed various issues, including recreational fire pits, burn bans, rental guest notices, and forest fires. It was an insightful presentation that highlighted some concerns of the fire department.

Wood-Burning Fire Pits

Miller said that using firepits allows residents to extend their outdoor relaxation time, even during periods when the weather is a little cooler. Sitting around a fire pit is a great way to unwind, socialize, and make memories in the beautiful outdoors of the Village.

Fire pits in the Village must be permitted by the Fire Department so that the owner receives education and the fire department knows that if smoke is present at a permit location, it is not necessarily a house fire. Miller said they can check the computer records before they dispatch a whole fleet of fire trucks to the scene and embarrass the homeowner.

The Arkansas Fire Prevention Code specifies requirements for wood-burning firepits. They must be located at least 25 feet from a structure.

Propane Fire Pits

Propane fire pits are clean-burning and can be a safer alternative while retaining the aesthetics and warmth of a wood-burning fire pit. Propane fire pits do not require a permit, but manufacturer specifications and recommendations should be followed.

Board Member Doyle Baker said that if a propane fire pit is positioned too close to a house, vinyl siding could melt, so care should still be taken.

2024 Rental Guest Notice

The HSV Rental Guest Notice, enacted in January 2024, must be posted in a visible location at rentals. This document contains information and policies for guests occupying rentals in the Village. It explains gate access, noise ordinance, parking, and more. According to the Rental Guest Notice, guests are prohibited from using recreational fire pits.

Miller mentioned two incidents of guests burning at rental properties during a burn ban. The Board had previously enacted a fire policy violation fee of $700, which was levied for both occasions.

Burn Bans

When a burn ban is in effect, POA e-blasts are sent out, and signs are posted at the East and West Gates. In the Village, when a burn ban has been declared, it is for both counties.

No open flames are allowed during a burn ban, including the use of wood-burning fire pits.

The use of charcoal grills for cooking purposes only is allowed during a burn ban.

Forest Fires

The first two photos in the pdf presentation below are of a forest fire along Victoria and Elcano. Suspicions are that sparks from a fire pit caused this fire. Burning fire pits must be attended at all times. Before leaving, the fire must be distinguished, as the wind could cause the ash or embers to scatter, possibly igniting leaves or other debris on the ground.

Arkansas Forestry assists with Village forest fires. Water use is not recommended, but rather, dozers plow lines around the fire (images three and four).

Hot Springs Village POA General Manager Kelly Hale said during the recent burn ban, there were four wildfires in the Village. Populated areas experienced close calls, raising a lot of concern. “There are a lot of things we can deal with, but tornadoes and fires, I am not real good at managing.”

Hale asked the community to use common sense, rely on Chief Miller and the fire department for fire pit guidance, and “remember, you live in the middle of a forest.”

By Cheryl Dowden