THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, November 9, 1994 TAG: 9411090294
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B2 EDITION: NORTH CAROLINA
SOURCE: BY ANNE SAITA, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: CURRITUCK LENGTH: Medium: 57 lines
Talks of bonfire regulations for the beach have spread to Currituck County's mainland.
Unknown to county officials until recently, Currituck has a countywide ordinance requiring residents and visitors to obtain a permit before starting large, open fires.
The regulation includes both the county's Outer Banks and mainland.
``Technically, we were supposed to be enforcing these bonfires all along,'' said Chairman B.U. Evans III at Monday evening's regular commissioners' meeting.
The discussion was a continuation of a previous talk about regulating bonfires on Corolla beaches.
Marshall Cherry Jr., fire chief at Corolla Fire and Rescue, said earlier that injuries from improperly extinguished beach bonfires are on the rise. He also noted that stolen items, such as lawn furniture and a lifeguard stand, have been used for kindling.
At least one commissioner thought enforcement of the little-known ordinance would merely place a further burden on police.
``I think they should have let a sleeping dog lie,'' said Ernie Bowden, who represents the county's Outer Banks citizens.
``I don't think they can, Ernie,'' retorted Commissioner Janie Askew. ``I do think it's getting worse.''
The provision of the North Carolina Fire Prevention Code requires anyone wishing to build a large outdoor fire, whether to roast marshmallows or burn brush, to first seek a permit from local fire officials.
Commissioners said most mainland residents abide by that rule, though most probably aren't aware a permit is needed.
The problem with beach bonfires has been limited to the more populated parts of Corolla, where as many as 10 fires burn nightly during the summer season.
``There are far greater fire hazards than building bonfires on the beach,'' Bowden said.
``You can't continue to sit still and have everybody's lawn furniture on the beach burned up,'' Gene Gregory responded.
In another matter, the five-member board continued public hearings for two proposed developments.
About a dozen residents, most from the Moyock and Crawford townships, spoke against the 111-lot Dozier Acres subdivision planned off Tulls Creek Road and Dove Roost, a 48-lot subdivision in Moyock.
Most assailed the developers' plans to create more housing complexes at a time when the county is grappling with problems with schools, traffic and water.
Action on another subdivision proposal in Moyock, the 601-lot community to be named The Plantations, was tabled until a developer's impact statement is completed. by CNB