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5 Spring 2014 Recreational fires are a sure sign that spring is here. Rec- reational fires, defined as con- tained to a 3′x3′ area, do not re- quire a permit and are allowed when the following provisions are followed. Fires larger than 3′x3′ require a fire permit, which can be acquired at City Hall. Recreational fires are allowed under the following provi- sions: • The fire is contained to a 3X3 foot area; this can be an in-ground, on ground or in a free standing pre-manu- factured fireplace. • Fire must be for recreational purposes only, not for land clearing or yard clean-up. • Ground must be clear of all vegetation down to min- eral soil 5 feet out around entire perimeter of fire ring. • Only clean burning wood or vegetative fuels can be used. No burning of trash, leaves or anything that would create a black smoke (treated lumber, tar pa- per, etc.) • The fire should be at least 25 feet from any structure or combustible material. The smoke should not be a nuisance to the neighbors. • Fire extinguishing equipment (extinguisher, garden hose, shovel, sand) is readily available. When starting or tending a fire, regardless of the size, con- sider the conditions. Is it too windy to burn? Is it too dry to burn? Fires must be attended at all times and extin- guished at the end of the day. Smoldering fires and leaf pile fires are illegal. Watch for possible burning restrictions or a burning ban implemented by DNR in the event of a dry spring. Check the DNR site before burning, www.dnr. state.mn.us/forestry/fire/firerating_restrictions.html Burn Safely this Spring Although they are an easy fix to everyday storage and vehicle shelter, framed fabric shelters are not allowed in the City of Lake Elmo. Such shelters do not meet the minimum State Building Code requirements or the City’s current zoning code, and therefore are not recognized as legal structures in the City of Lake Elmo. Please contact the City’s Building Department with any questions, or for additional information. Framed Fabric and Temporary Structures Not Allowed Working Toward an Energy Efficient Community You may have noticed a trend toward environmen- tally friendly and energy saving products. These products not only save en- ergy, but can also help you save money. The City of Lake Elmo wants to encour- age you to go green as well. The City has recently ac- quired 500 Compact Fluo- rescent Light Bulbs (CFLs), which were funded through a Washington County recy- cling grant. These light bulbs will be provided to residents at no cost to help them become more energy efficient. Compared to incandescent light bulbs, ENERGY STAR qualified CFLs: • Use about one-quarter of the energy to produce the same amount of light, • Last about 10 times longer, • Produce about 75 percent less heat, which reduces cooling costs, • Saves about $30 or more in electricity costs over the lifetime of the bulb, • Meet strict energy efficiency and performance re- quirements According to ENERGY STAR, “If every American home replaced just one light bulb with a light bulb that’s earned the ENERGY STAR, we would save enough energy to light 3 million homes for a year, save about $600 million in annual energy costs, and prevent 9 billion pounds of greenhouse gas emissions per year, equivalent to those from about 800,000 cars.” Stop in to City Hall between 8 am and 4:30 pm while supplies last and pick up a complementary Compact Fluorescent Light Bulb. Limit two per household please. Stop by City Hall to collect your free energy saving light bulb. JANUARY, FEBRUARY EMERGENCY CALL RESPONSE Fire: 20, Rescue: 10, Medical: 27