CANONSBURG — The mayor angered constituents by banning outdoor grilling at night, but rescinded the order Thursday and said he was only trying to close a loophole in the borough burning ordinance.

Mayor Anthony Colaizzo issued an executive order Monday outlawing all recreational burning until further notice. He also tacked on a ban on grilling after 8 p.m.

The measure drew angry rebukes from some of Canonsburg's 8,800 residents.

"There are many more things that need to be watched other than if I make a hot dog or a piece of kielbasa after 8," said resident Rose Terkey, 51.

Colaizzo said Thursday that he added the grilling ban because some people who burn refuse or other items at night make sure they're holding food over the flames so they can claim an exception for "recreational burning" when police arrive.

"They put on a wiener or a marshmallow or something like that, and my boys can't do anything to stop it," Colaizzo said.

Colaizzo, 77, had intended his burning ban to last at least until the borough council meets to discuss the matter Tuesday night, but he rescinded it Thursday.

By The Associated Press