There is a lookout lurking in the North End, spying from the rooftops to make sure no dwellers are harboring a grill on the decks of their apartment complexes in the historic neighborhood.
Why?
Because it’s illegal. And not just in the Hub, according to Boston Fire Department officials, but in the state.
Massachusetts laws prohibit the following:
The use or storage of liquefied petroleum gas containers used for barbecue cooking inside or on balconies above the first floor of any building or structure used for habitation. This includes propane containers attached to portable cooking grills.
On NorthEndWaterfront.com, a blog dedicated to the on-goings of North End-life and related news, one of the site’s authors posted photos of several unlawful cooking devices that are placed on the outdoor decks of resident’s homes.
They snapped the photos after making their way to the tip of the Boston neighborhood and staking out.
On the site, they said there is concern about fires breaking out due to unattended grills, much like a blaze that tore through a Charlestown home in 2010.
According to NorthEndWaterFront.com:
If an incident similar to what happened in Charlestown occurred in the denser North End, it is unclear how extensive the damage could be or the risk to historical treasures, such as the Paul Revere House or Old North Church.
Boston Fire Department Spokesman Steve MacDonald said the grills singled-out by the North End social site shouldn’t be there, unless they are natural gas grills piped into the home—which still requires a permit.
“Propane grills are not allowed above the first floor of a residence. That’s a state law,” said MacDonald. “We try to urge public to be aware of the law and use common sense, and when grilling don’t leave them unattended.”
In the Hub, officials also ban the use of charcoal grills on rooftops and porches above the first floor.
MacDonald said violations of these rules are typical in areas like Charlestown, South Boston and the North End and Back Bay.
“It jeopardizes the welfare and safety of people who live in that building. Lets say they did have a fire. You’re reliable. You’re taking a big gamble, because it’s a violation of the law,” said MacDonald.
Those in violation can be issued a citation, and brought to court, he said.
On NorthEndWaterFront.com, the pictures snapped and posted online come after a series of incidents involving people partying on rooftops in the area.
They wrote:
Recent Public Safety meetings show that some irresponsible residents are abusing the luxury. There are reports of intoxicated people urinating off rooftops at parties. On July 4th, beer bottles were thrown at police officers from a roof on Hanover Street. Also last week, officers observed propane tanks being tossed off a rooftop in Mission Hill and arrested four 20-something males. Back in 2010, a female victim actually fell off a rooftop at a North End party.
For more information about grilling in Boston, visit the city’s website on Barbeque safety.
