The question of open burning was addressed at Tuesday's Ben Avon Council meeting when Council member Judy Konitsney said that she had been receiving complaints about it.

When pressed for details, Konitsney said she didn't have any, but said someone told her they had seen embers going up. She added that she knows "the county doesn't allow it." However, council member Dan Herchenroether said, "We have to know what it is about (before we can do anything)."

A discussion followed regarding what comprises illegal burning. Borough solicitor Charles Means said a fire used to prepare food is an exception. Fire Chief Gary Buckman said the borough follows the Allegheny County Health Department Air Quality Program Guidelines, which include such rules as the fire must be contained in a 16 square foot by 3 foot high area; it must be at least 10 feet from the nearest structure, roadway or property line; and only dry, clean wood products can be burned.

Council asked Ohio Township Police Sgt. Adam Beck if the police ever get calls about open burning and he answered yes, all the time, from all of the municipalities covered by the department.

Council plans to look further into the complaints, and in the meantime will post the guidelines on the borough Web site to answer residents' questions.