FIRE!!!!!

It's the fire pit war and we are ready for battle.

Last spring we cleared a small section of our yard and designated it our fire pit. It is still a work in progress so right now, it consists of dirt, a bench and half a 55 gallon drum on large bricks. We have big plans for the fire pit but the one we are striving for is going to cost us some money so we are taking it step by step.

A few days ago, on the first nice night we've had in a while, we opened for fire business. One of our neighbors is not so happy. Within minutes of arriving home and seeing our fire, she called the fire department. Had she not tried to be anonymous, she might have gotten away with it. She reported it as an uncontrolled fire in the vicinity of her street and mine and gave her own address. When the fire department couldn't find it (because it was so uncontrollable?) they knocked on her door. She then proceeded to come outside and point us out. Not the brightest crayon in the box now, are we?
So, we had to put it out. No problem. The good news is that the firemen gave us all sorts of tips on how to get away with it next time. We were told that if we had food outside or if there was a grate over the fire, they would not have been able to shut us down.

So the war begins....

Last night, in the rain, we started a fire. We had a grate and some marshmallows (which we were told by the FD, were considered food). I had already spoken to the fire marshal earlier and found that what we did was fine and we were instructed to have fun. Furthermore, our fireman friend informed us that because they had been out here already and knew the situation, chances are, she will be told that we are in compliance and too bad. We had all of this in our pocket and waited for the the neighbor to come home and the FD to show up. When she did arrive, she spent a while peaking through the blinds at us. I guess she figured she lost because no one showed up.

Here's some things I don't understand.
1) We had fires all the time last year and no one said a word. In fact, several of them were a bit loud and still no law enforcement was involved. Maybe she was trying to nip that in the bud? Well, surprise dear neighbor, there may be an open burning ordinance in our town but there's no noise ordinance. You're call to the Popo will only make us louder and we may just start up a tractor pull for shits and giggles.

2) If we really aren't bothering you, why is the call to the FD necessary? I can say with all certainty that we were not bothering her. We were visiting with our other neighbor, not being loud and since the FD showed up around 730ish, it's safe to say we weren't disturbing her beauty sleep. There was no alcohol involved so I am aware of the noise level. The wind was blowing behind us so the smoke was not bothering her. What is it about us that that she dislikes so much?

3) We are quiet neighbors. We don't get into any one else's business. We do not infringe upon her. When she and her gay friends get a little too tipsy and loud at 3am while they sit on her back porch, we don't say a word. (Her porch is almost directly under my bedroom window so we really hear everything) and yet she insists on ruining our fun that we are having at a decent hour.

Well, Ms. neighbor, you have made strong enemies. Enemies that have friends who loves them some fires, one of which happens to be a Kensington fireman. We don't feel powerful but since you irritated the FD by even making that stupid call, we do have the power now. And just so you know, shortly before the FD showed up, my husband and I were watching how much water was coming out of your basement and where it was dumping. My husband was going to offer to help you with that issue but now your house can collapse and float away for all we care. We are here for the long run and if you don't like it, I suggest you put your house on the market and find a new home. I hear the new condos down near Paper Goods Pond are fabulous!