'Open(closed?) Burning' in your area - what are your thoughts??

[The Straight Story]

We have a 'closed' container if you will. A mesh cage with a top where you can burn things for getting rid of them (like sticks) or just to have a nice fire in the evening.

I am currently researching Ohio EPA regs on this (have a call into them, will know more in AM). Hope to update thread when I get more information on that aspect (I live in city limits but have a large lot and people in this area burn things like this off and on).

Overall though, what are the thoughts of others here on having a fire outdoors (for roasting marshmallows, heat, getting rid of sticks, whatever)?

Here are some questions
1. Do we assume that most people can make a fire in an enclosed device, or should the government assume we are not able to do this and keep us from doing so?

2. Should this be seen as pollution and stopped, hence restricting the ability of people to make a fire at all - or should we simply regulate the size and containment method?

3. If we totally restrict any type of burning should we offer free removal of debris from storms and such? (Example, we had a bad ice storm and I have tons of sticks and large branches on property)

4. I heard on some radio somewhere recently that most the pollution in the atmosphere was not from Americans driving but from home fires in Asia, anyone have anymore on this or thoughts?

5. Lastly, your thoughts in general on it all.

[Career Prole]

1. "I heard on some radio somewhere..."

"...that most the pollution in the atmosphere was not from Americans driving but from home fires in Asia"

Wasn't Limbaugh, was it? The right-wing was peddling volcanoes as the culprit before.

[The Straight Story]

2. No, I listen to NPR and Fred Anderle Mostly, and switch dial

as I drive to work - looked it up:
http://southasia.net/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=262

A team of Indian and American researchers have concluded in the study that the major source of potentially climate-changing soot in the air over south Asia is home cooking fires. The burning of wood, agricultural waste and animal manure for cooking is the largest source of black carbon in the air in that region, according to the team led by C. Venkataraman of the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay.

Also:
Cooking Fires Are Major Pollutant in South Asia, LA times.

Soot from cooking linked to possible climate changes in south Asia
(Savetheplanet website)

So perhaps it is more regional (I could not recall all the details which is why I asked). But it does relate to overall theme of question :)

[The Straight Story]

3. Thanks though

For pointing out the spin - if I recall the news blurb it was something like 'pollution relating to driving is less than that of home fires' and mention was made of the amount of soot/etc from fires versus drivers in US. Wish I had paid more attention but I was focusing on driving and swearing :) Some comparison was made to cars in US versus home fires in asia area.

[Career Prole]

6. You're welcome...and absolutely pay more attention to the driving

than the radio. We need your vote! :)
I live in rural Texas, and we can burn or not burn depending on if there's a county burn ban in effect...it depends on how the weather's been. :hi:

[MotR]

4. Burn On

The next thing they'll do is try to do away with Burning Man?

www.burningman.com

[The Straight Story]

5. Well, it pollutes and gives what back?

I am sure that is the question :) You burn a big thing, and people and earth suffer, so maybe it will all be virtual eventually....