Yes they are. There are many things you should consider while setting up and using a fire pit.

• Keep away from flammable material and fluids such as gasoline, diesel fuel, kerosene, and charcoal lighter fluid or vehicles while in use.
• Keep it a minimum of 15 feet away from buildings.
• Do not use flammable fluids such as gasoline, alcohol, diesel fuel, kerosene, and charcoal lighter fluid to light or relight fires. 
• Exercise the same precautions you would with an open fire.
• Do not allow children to use the fire pit. Keep children and pets away. 
• Do not wear flammable or loose fitting clothing such as nylon. 
• Do not burn trash, leaves, paper, cardboard, or plywood. Avoid using soft wood such as pine or cedar that likely pop and throw sparks. Use of seasoned hardwood is suggested.
• Before starting the fire, make sure that the lid will still close to extinguish the fire in case of emergency. Do not overload.
• Before you light the fire, check the wind direction.
• Keep a fire extinguisher or garden hose nearby.

There are many different smoke detector/alarms available on the market but they fall under two basic types:

• Ionization
• Photoelectric

Ionization alarms sound more quickly when a flaming, fast moving fire occurs.  Photoelectric alarms are quicker at sensing smoldering, smoking fires.  There are also combination smoke alarms that combine ionization and photoelectric into one unit, called dual sensor smoke alarms.

Because both ionization and photoelectric smoke alarms are better at detecting distinctly different yet potentially fatal fires, and because homeowners cannot predict what type of fire will occur in a home, the USFA (U.S. Fire Administration) recommends the installation of both ionization and photoelectric or a dual sensor smoke alarms.

The Lower Merion Fire Department reminds you to change the batteries in your smoke detectors twice a year.  An easy reminder is to change your batteries when you change your clocks!

For complete coverage in residential homes, smoke detectors should be installed in all rooms, halls, storage areas, basements and attics.  Minimum coverage is one detector on each level.

However, we suggest that you:

• Put a smoke detector in every sleeping quarter.
• Put a smoke detector on every floor of your home.
• Put a smoke detector as close to the center of the ceiling as possible.
• Acceptable locations are no closer than 4" from side wall. You may mount on the wall at least 4" from the ceiling, but no more than 6" from the ceiling. 

Belmont Hills Fire Company
4 S Washington Ave
Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004
610-664-9185

Bryn Mawr Fire Company
901 Lancaster Ave
Bryn Mawr, PA 19010
610-525-7702

Gladwyne Fire Company
1044 Black Rock Rd
Gladwyne, PA 19035
610-642-9586

Merion Fire Company
35 Greenfield Ave
Ardmore, PA 19003
610-642-9580

Narberth Fire Company
100 Conway Ave
Narberth, PA 19072
610-664-9278

Penn Wynne/Overbrook Hills Fire Company
Rock Glen & Manoa Rds
Wynnewood, PA 19006
610-642-9688

Union Fire Association
149 Montgomery Ave
Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004
610-664-9112

Our Fire Companies are partially funded by Township allocations, but they all depend heavily on the support of the residents. Your local Fire Company will be contacting you through the mail during their next Fund Drive. Our Fire Companies do not solicit by telephone.

You can go to any one of the fire companies web sites to find out more information on how you can help to support your local fire company.  Remember, your local fire fighters need your financial support for the maintenance of their firefighting equipment, fire trucks, rescue gear, maintenance and upkeep of the firehouse as well as training and retention programs for the Volunteer firefighters.

Belmont Hills Fire Company                                Penn Wynne Fire Company

Bryn Mawr Fire Company                                    Narberth Fire Company

Gladwyne Fire Company                                     Union Fire Association

Merion Fire Company of Ardmore

Belmont Hills Fire Company
4 S Washington Ave
Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004
610-664-9185

Narberth Fire Company
100 Conway Ave
Narberth, PA 19072
610-664-9278

Union Fire Association
149 Montgomery Ave
Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004
610-664-9112

• Drawing water from a fire hydrant for any purpose without permission from Aqua, PA and the Fire Marshal.
  
• Erecting any sign containing the words "Fire Marshal" without the authorization of the Fire Marshal.
  
• Leaving any part of the piping or oil tank or oil fill when removing an oil burner or taking the burner out of service in any structure in Lower Merion Township.

Open Burning in the Township is prohibited due to changes to Chapter 78, the Fire Prevention Code of the Township of Lower Merion in September 2008. Because Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection standards do not allow open burning, the Township’s open burning ordinance was repealed to remain in compliance with state standards. This action was duly advertised and the Board of Commissioners took formal action on September 17, 2008. The Township appreciates citizen compliance with this important safety measure.