The City of New London has a strict prohibition against open burning. Therefore, campfires and bonfires are not allowed under any circumstances.
Outdoor grilling/barbecuing by students is authorized, provided the following policy is adhered to:
- Prior authorization from Campus Safety and the Office of Residential Education and Living is required.
- All barbecue events must have a designated individual, who is responsible for the safe use of the barbecue, and proper disposal of ashes and coals.
- Only charcoal grills are used. Propane grills are unauthorized, and will be confiscated by Campus Safety.
- Possession and use of lighter fluid is prohibited. Use only "Match Light®" type charcoal briquettes, which do not require lighter fluid. Storage of unused briquettes in residential buildings is prohibited.
- All grilling must be done at least 15 feet away from any building, and away from any other combustible material (wood, paper, cloth etc.) this includes wooden decks.
- Proper disposal of ashes is of the utmost importance. Hot coals can be well insulated in the ashes, and can stay hot for days. Never empty ashes into a paper or plastic bag, cardboard box, plastic pail or other combustible container. Before disposing of the ashes, they must be completely extinguished and cold to the touch. Douse the coals and ashes with water, then stir to ensure that they are fully extinguished. Completely extinguished ashes may be packaged and left for the normal trash pick up (Do not bring them into the building), or placed in an outside trash receptacle. Alternatively, the ashes may be added to a compost pile.
Some Residential Halls are equipped with fireplaces. Use of those fireplaces is allowed if used responsibly:
- Firewood can be requested from Facilities Management. Use only the wood provided.
- Burning of cardboard, paper, plastics or anything other than the provided firewood is prohibited.
- Use (and possession) of flammable liquids (e.g., lighter fluid) is prohibited.
- A fireplace screen is required on all fireplaces.
- Fires should never be left unattended.
- Never empty ashes into a paper or plastic bag, cardboard box, plastic pail or other combustible container. Before disposing of the ashes, they must be completely extinguished and cold to the touch. Once the ashes have cooled, empty the ashes into a metal container, add a small amount of water then stir to ensure that they are fully extinguished. The cold ashes can then be packaged and left outside for the normal trash pick up (Do not discard into interior trash cans.) Alternatively, the ashes may be added to a compost pile.