I own a lake lot in an association that allows RV's on the lot. We have built a fire pit and enjoy camp fires. We are seasonal in Minnesota with fires a couple times per week when we are at the lake.Recently, a neighbor (who lives in a home next door year round). Approached our property past dark. He began ranting and raving about our fires....claims his wife cannot hang clothes out, nor can they keep their windows open on the south side of his house when we have our fires.My husband told him it was our property and we can have fires. He has since reported us Twice to the sheriff for illegal burning?? We have spoke with sheriff and also reported our neighbor for harassment.He will yell at us claiming we are trailer trash, we are ruining the environment, etc. what suggestions for a nasty neighbor ?? We would prefer no contact with he or his wife EVER!,

Are your fires smokey? Do you have a fire going all day or just in the evening for a couple hours? A fire going all day seems a bit much, but a small fire in the evening for a couple hours once or twice a week certainly doesn't seem out of line. It may also depend on how close your fire pit is to his residence. Staying on a lake lot with permanent neighbors isn't the same as at a campground, IMO anyway.

When it's too smoky to sleep/ breath, I get in my rig and find better places away from crowded places. Some camps have an option or a choice wether or not you want to stay in the section where there are no fires.

Guess I'd better not say in writing what I/we would do about it. But, If he continues and you are 100% legal with your fires, the law is on your side. I don't know all the details or particulars of your situation as that could have some bearings. For a start, file a written complaint and press charges and follow it up. Use the law and enforcement to shut him up! Kind of strange that he can't open his south windows at all when you have a fire and is like saying you must have a big fan always blowing the smoke directly at his house as if the wind direction never changes. One BIG LYING MOUTH blowhard jerk for a neighbor!!! WE know the constantly varying wind directions here in the Midwest as we also live in the Midwest and have for over 74 years.

We also own land since 1987 with RV's on it in Northern Michigan with a Condo Assn rules and have seen some morons like your neighbor over the years while I was on the Board Of Directors for 9 years. We simply shut them up or challenged them with legal action if the campfires in their area was checked and deemed to be legal and within the Condo Assn written rules. Your neighbor has a copy and should know the Assn rules and laws also so don't put up with his BS.

Thanks for your comments travelnutz....it makes our time at the lake so stressful when he is outside or badgering us! We may follow with harassment if he continues with one more issue....again...thanks for your support !!

Trailer trash ! | Good Sam Community

32 Replies

Moderator
Moderator
Jul 28, 2016
I think the OP has enough suggestions to proceed from here. :)
FunnyCamper
Explorer II
Jul 28, 2016
Tough situation for sure.

I am in the 'don't like wood fire' group cause it wrecks havoc with my sinus etc....and I would opt for a propane solution, but that is me :) :)

You could compromise but I see your side, your property, legal to make a campfire and tough on the neighbor.

WHAT WOULD YOU EXPECT from the neighbor if you were the one complaining and having smoke/smell issues? IF YOU CAN truly think that way, see their side and what you would expect, maybe you can come to an understanding?

I feel for you tho.
rjsurfer
Explorer
Jul 28, 2016
2lazy4U wrote:
I can't imagine having to live next door to campfires. The smoke would get overpowering and yes, it does stink up your clothes and everything in the house, even when you close the windows. Why not get a propane campfire and solve the problem that way? No need to burn wood. You can then enjoy having a fire and not irritate your neighbor.

+1

Usually the builders of these smokey fires don't smell it as much as the downwind neighbors.

Ron w
rexlion
Explorer
Jul 28, 2016
I wish you the best in this tough situation. Some people simply cannot be reasonable, and the neighbor sounds like one of those. Whatever you do, don't dig in your heels to the point where the fool neighbor becomes violent. Occasional evening campfires aren't worth risking personal safety.

My wife is allergic to wood smoke, and some of our city neighbors burn it for heat in winter. We don't go around demanding that they stop. DW takes a Claritin and sucks it up.
doxiemom11
Explorer II
Jul 28, 2016
I was also going to suggest that you do what you can to eliminate some of the smoke. Remove bark. Don't try to burn wet wood. Build your fire so it's good and hot and you have almost no smoke at all. And last - make sure you are burning appropriate wood only. No trash, treated wood, styrofoam, plastic, chicken bones, etc. Seems there are a lot of people ) not necessarily you) who don't understand a campfire is with wood, not other stuff. All those other things make it stinky and smoky.
Bill___Kate
Explorer
Jul 28, 2016
As others have said, I agree that life would be a lot more pleasant if you figured out how to make peace with the neighbor. Some people are more sensitive to smoke than others. Personally, I love the comradeship that develops around a campfire, and the relaxing atmosphere it creates, but the smoke really bothers my sinuses, and I hate the smell on my clothes, skin, etc. I solved the problem by buying a portable propane fire pit thingy. I is quick and easy to set up, and doesn't really use much propane. It also eliminates the need to haul and store firewood, eliminates the hassle of starting and putting out the fire, and you can still make some-mores and toast marshmallows, etc. Get one, light it up, gather around, and invite the neighbor and his wife over for a beer. You can wear him down.....and make life more pleasant for both of you ........
rjf7g
Explorer
Jul 28, 2016
Well, HOAs are governed by boards and they can change their rules as allowed by the by laws. Start studying now! You may find yourself unable to enjoy your property at some point.
Gonzo42
Explorer
Jul 28, 2016
If you are burning wood with bark on it you will get a lot more smoke.
2gypsies1
Explorer III
Jul 27, 2016
You said you're in a HOA...are there any words in the agreement regarding campfires? Are there other RV sites and do they have campfires? Not that it would help you or your neighbor but if campfires are allowed then you're just going to work it out somehow with the neighbor. It seems like it may be escalating with police involvement which isn't good for anyone involved.

A propane campfire was mentioned...although not the same feeling but perhaps that's an answer...or moving the campfire spot. That can't be a relaxing atmosphere for you to be in. Good luck!
Cloud_Dancer
Explorer II
Jul 27, 2016
If I could just spend a couple of weeks as an observer, then I could stand in judgement. Otherwise, good luck.