As COVID-19 has led to an increase in restaurants offering outdoor dining, there has been a look into outdoor dining extending into colder months. Middletown Fire Prevention Bureau have assembled this list to aid in your restaurant’s decision to use these heaters safely. Please use this fact sheet as a guide but please also refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for safe maintenance and operation.
- Fuel burning appliances, such as these, are for outdoor use only, with attention to the clearances listed below. They cannot be used under canopies or tents.
- The fuel burning appliance must be commercially rated.
- Locations during use:
- Maintain clearance of at least five feet horizontally from structures and overhangs.
- Maintain a clearance of three feet vertically and two feet horizontally from combustibles or as per manufacturer’s specification and as per Fire Official approval.
- Maintain a clearance of twenty feet from all tents and canopies.
- Do not block egress ways or sidewalks.
- Ensure that storage of the heaters is secure when not in use
- Indoor storage of propane cylinders shall be approved by the Fire Official.
- Indoor storage of cylinders may not be in a basement.
- Cylinder storage must be at least five feet from an exit door.
Prior to approval the following must be submitted to the Fire Marshal’s office:
- Permit application completed online and submitted (Open Flame – Heating): Note: This is a special COVID-19 No-Fee application.
- A drawing of the proposed layout of heaters, tables and canopies.
- The specifications of the heating unit(s).
- The proposed cylinder storage location.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact the Fire Official at (732) 615-2272.