Neighbors and their wood-burning outdoor fireplace

[Pandoras]

Consider getting a industrial fan to divert the smoke from your air intake.

[evelou2]

I agree with Reebo as I have neighbors further down my street who burn and it does get into my house. Usually the nicest days, too. I have to shut windows and doors and use an air purifier. We love camping but due to campfires had to quit because of health problems such as heart disease and COPD which aggravates these conditions and has sent me to emergency room. Wood smoke is pollution and can be a cancer cause and other problems such as triggering asthma attacks in children. Even indoor fireplaces have now been found to be a health problem.

When we were camping, it was really aggravating to have someone in a big motorhome go out and start a huge bonfire and then go back in the camper and watch TV. What is the point of that? I really really love smores and the smell of the campfire but not when someone goes inside and does not stay outside with it and then the only thing it is doing is polluting the air.

Good luck, Reebo and do try an air purifier or air cleaner since that may be your only choice.

[kinkytoes]

Originally Posted by vermonter16

I know but normally a fire doesn't produce the amounts of smoke I am imagining.... I have stayed in a lot of campgrounds where everyone has a fire going and I'm not noticing THAT much smoke. Maybe the wind is always blowing the same way and they are using wet wood???

Could be. People are dumber than you think. The neighbors could be burning improperly seasoned wood, wood with toxic materials in it or using inordinate amounts of fuels not recommended for burning such as gasoline.

[kevinm]

Originally Posted by ChristineVA

I agree with you. Everyone in the suburbs has moved into these neighborhoods with not-so-big yards and want to act like they live on a ranch. I've got all kinds of weirdness in my neighborhood. For 16 years, my neighbor has been the biggest PITA for EVERY.SINGLE.HOLIDAY. Illegal fireworks, drunken parties, you name it. At the HOA he had the nerve to complain about his neighbor who puts up a light show every Christmas which attracts lots of cars. He's pissed and wants the HOA to hire a cop to direct traffic. Never once thinking about HIS irritating behavior to others.

Then my next door neighbor runs a BIG daycare. Thank God I work outside the home all day because when I stay home I feel like I'm living inside of Chuck E. Cheese. We have 1/2 ACRE lots and it's not enough of a buffer.

I would call the HOA about the "daycare". It is ILLEGAL to run most businesses like this out of your home.

[trm5507]

Originally Posted by kevinm

I would call the HOA about the "daycare". It is ILLEGAL to run most businesses like this out of your home.

No it's not. It's possible that they are running an illegal daycare, but it's equally possible that it is a licensed daycare out of their home. Why would you think it's illegal?

[ChristineVA]

Originally Posted by trm5507

No it's not. It's possible that they are running an illegal daycare, but it's equally possible that it is a licensed daycare out of their home. Why would you think it's illegal?

Actually, kevinm has a point.

Our HOA covenants strictly forbid running any businesses out of the home. However, it's not enforced unless someone complains. Certainly, if you are running an on-line business that doesn't interrupt the neighbors, then they won't care or won't even know. The covenant was put into place to stop any type of business traffic that would cause disruption to the neighbors because of increased auto or foot traffic.

My neighbor's daycare is licensed and the HOA is fully aware of her operating this business. They will not prosecute it unless they get a complaint. Actually, in one meeting another resident did complain about the amount of cars going in and out but this resident did not ask to have it shut down.

[ShortGuy]

If you want, they make invisible smoke shields and they sell them at Great Falls Landscaping:



https://www.greatfallslandscapes.com














(jk)

[Bigfoot424]

Originally Posted by reebo

I totally love the smell of a wood fireplace, when it's vented 30 feet over my head. When the smoke is filling up my house, not so much. Neighbors five doors down have commented on the overhwhelming smell and the smoke.

I agree there's not much I can do.

You have a decent attitude about it so that's good. Not having neighbors anymore is the best thing ever but I realize not all can move out to the Shenandoah Valley. Have you ever spoken to them? (Didn't read all the responses). Maybe they can reduce the frequency if they know what it is doing. One thing I learned about being an LEO is that neighbors rarely talk to each other about their concerns. You never know unless you try it.

[oneasterisk]

Not sure about your hoa, but mine required me to submit an application which included my neighbors signatures before committee would approve it.

Maybe try one of those fans that at a mist of water asking with the air. The mist might absorb that smoke smell.

Oh and last Saturday I had a fire going in our fire pit. Kids enjoyed roasting marshmallows

[BOS2IAD]

This thread is now almost 10 years old.