April 12, 2006

Fire Ordinance goes into effect

       On April 10, 2006, the Johnson County Commissioners approved and adopted the White River Township Fire Prevention and Protection Ordinance. This ordinance was recently approved by the State of Indiana as a local ordinance for the properties located in White River Township, Johnson County that are within the White River Township Fire Protection District and, the Bargersville Fire Protection District.

           This ordinance will help oversee Fire and Life Safety issues that occur within the Township.  It will also better evaluate Future Development and will allow better enforcement of such issues as Open Burning, Parking in Fire Lanes, Addresses on Buildings, Smoke Detectors in Dwellings, and Unsafe Buildings. With the adoption of the new ordinance, violators of this ordinance will be assessed fines and could be summoned to court for such violations. Most of the New Ordinance applies to new construction and new commercial developments and requires review of plans and issuance of permits for new construction.  However some will serve as a reminder to the residents of the Township of the rules and laws.

           One of the biggest changes for residents within White River Township will be a requirement to obtain an Open Burning permit from the Fire Department prior to burning any item outside of a non-combustible container.  This permit will cost $5.00.  Although Open Burning has been governed by the State of Indiana for many years, this Ordinance will now allow the fire department to issue a citation of $50.00 for violating that state law, or portions of the Ordinance, or for burning without an “open burning permit” issued by the Fire Department. At the time of application, the Fire Department will review the applicant’s plans for burning and determine if it complies with the State Law and Laws of IDEM. If the proposed burning complies, a permit will be issued, however even burning with a permit may be stopped if the burning creates a health or fire hazard or creates a nuisance.

         Another item for residents to be aware of, is that effective May 1, the fire department will be issuing citations for those who violate the Ordinance for parking in a “Fire Lane”.   Violators will receive a $15.00 citation for not obeying this law.  Repeat-offenders will have their vehicle towed at the owner’s expense. Emergency crews are commonly hindered by those who obstruct these areas so please help the department provide better service by not stopping or parking in a Fire Lane.  Even if you only plan to be in the fire lane for only a couple of minutes, that is still a violation.

         Also with the new Ordinance, occupants of residential dwellings may be cited if they do not have a working smoke detector near the sleeping rooms of the dwelling.  Many studies have shown that a simple $5.00 working smoke detector will save your life if you are sleeping in your home when a fire breaks out.  This ordinance will now force the occupant to protect themselves.

         Both the White River Township and Bargersville Fire Departments will be implementing these new changes starting on May 1, 2006.  For more information or to review the New Local Ordinance, a copy is provided for review at the following locations or online by visiting www.wrtfd.org/ordinance.htm.

            White River Township Fire Department Headquarters
            850 S. Mullinix Road
            Greenwood IN 46143

            Bargersville Fire Department
            89 S Baldwin Street
            Bargersville IN 46106

            Johnson County Commissioners Office
            86 W Court Street
            Franklin IN 46131

            Johnson County Public Library, White River Branch
            1664 Library Boulevard
            Greenwood IN 46142
 
    
 

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