They called the fire department on me

So I'm burning my biochar, like normal.  I had a few minutes of smoke, but I got it back under control.  All of a sudden a fire truck comes up. The full, long big deal.  It said paramedic on it, so I thought, "Did someone have a heart attack?"  

The guy came up to me and asked me what I was burning. I said wood.  He said not to burn small sticks or brush. He said someone complained that I was burning rubbish.  I explained to him about biochar.  He was interested, kind of .  I told him about sequestering carbon and improving the soil for growing plants.   He said when he saw the barrel with the chimney, covered, he wasn't concerned at all.  I told him that I cooked carrots on it sometimes.  He walked off quickly with a smile.  I think he wished the neighbors were more careful about calling the fire department on people.  He did urge me not to burn on extremely windy days. I agreed.

I know a lot of you permies people are thinking, "That's why I live in the country!"  Nothing wrong with living in the country, bu I like living here in the suburbs.  Really, I had a nice short chat with a fireman while I burned my biochar.  Actually quite pleasant to tell you the truth.  

It is useful to know your local laws.  Here, you can burn for pleasure, but not just to get rid of stuff in an urban area.  If it's not safe, they'll tell you and maybe shut it down.

John S
PDX OR

Yes, if you know and follow the laws and use common sense (we haven't had rain in WEEKS, so I'm not making any biochar until we get some rain), your interactions with the local FD should be fine. They get a call and have to go check it out....but I find them to be quite reasonable here.

That being said, I've never had them show up and if I had a fire in my fire pit, they'd probably be able to see the smoke the station is that close to my house.

Something like 23 years ago in New Jersey, our across the street neighbor called the FD because we were having a little picnic in the back yard with the kids and had a fire. It was apparently illegal, but all that's needed to make it legal was to call the FD and ask for a permit over the phone and if they said yes, you're good to go. So a firetruck shows up with sirens, the guys get out in full gear and come into our yard and find a tiny little fire on a giant boulder and us with a hose turned on. The guy that did all the talking was livid at our neighbor. My thought was what if someone's house is on fire while they're hassling us? People could die because of that pettiness.

John Suavecito wrote:... Really, I had a nice short chat with a fireman while I burned my biochar.  Actually quite pleasant to tell you the truth.  
John S

I think that's awesome. "The problem is the solution!" Maybe the fireman learned something about biochar, which I think is darn useful stuff and could help people grow food in the city. Eric Toensmeier was very enthusiastic about permaculture in the city as a way of healing our communities and making them healthier and more sustainable.

I'm really glad that you're able to see the positive side of the situation.