ADAMS TWP — Any plans supervisors had Monday night to approve revisions to the township burning ordinance fizzled out after a number of citizens pointed out areas that could be clarified.

Before offering citizens a chance to speak, Chairman Russell Ford explained the premise for reviewing the ordinance as it now stands.

“The original burning ordinance in Adams Township was put in place in 1989,” Ford said. “It has never been reviewed. It has never been changed.”

After Ford encountered a resident earlier this year who said the current ordinance wouldn't let him have a fire on his property, the supervisors decided to review the code.

“It said you can't burn after 7 p.m.,” Ford said. “You can't have a community fire. You can't have a bonfire.”

A committee was established to see where the code could be updated. The proposed revision is posted on the township's website.

Ford said he understood some residents might be upset about any decision the supervisors make on the burning ordinance. Still, he believes a revised ordinance would benefit citizens.

“It is less restrictive than it was from 1989,” Ford said.

The proposed revision allows for changes such as recreational burning until 11 p.m.

Recreational fires are also permitted every day, except when wind gusts are over 20 mph.

The original ordinance, which still is in place, doesn't permit fires on Sundays or business holidays.

Many residents have probably violated the original ordinance since 1989, according to township leaders. The ordinance just wasn't enforced regularly to the extent the code's fine of up to $1,000 or up to 90 days in jail allows.

Following Ford's explanation, a few residents said they understood better why the supervisors wanted to revise the ordinance.

“I think you did a good job of explaining this situation,” said Sandy Sanderson, who lives along Myoma Road. “From what I've seen on social media, people just reacted.”

Still, several residents asked for clarification on terms used in the revision.

For instance, some argued logs (an acceptable burning material) chopped from limbs on private property could be defined as yard waste (an unacceptable burning material).

Others were concerned they didn't own enough property to stay within the revision's required minimum of a 50-foot distance from structures before having a recreational fire.

Sanderson said he'd also like to see the 11 p.m. fire curfew “backed up,” particularly if his kids are enjoying the outdoors with tents and s'mores.

Ford said in an instance like that, the township could consider an exception.

“We'll look at that,” Ford said. “I have absolutely no issue with that.”

Recognizing that residents offered valid points, supervisors tabled approval of the proposed revision. Ford said the revisions will be revisited.

“It's your township,” Ford said. “We're just trying to watch over it for you.”

A discussion about the township's firearm ordinance was also tabled for a future meeting, pending current legal decisions being made in Eastern Pennsylvania at the state and federal levels.