Trailer trash !

[Nursedebbie1]

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!,

[Moderator]

I think the OP has enough suggestions to proceed from here. 🙂

[FunnyCamper]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

If you are burning wood with bark on it you will get a lot more smoke.

[2gypsies1]

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]

If I could just spend a couple of weeks as an observer, then I could stand in judgement. Otherwise, good luck.

[Moderator]

We are not going to turn this into a ' wood campfire/non-campfire' discussion/argument folks. Apparently it is legal for the OP to have a campfire.

[lots2seeinmyrv]

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.

I agree, people have lost all respect for other's. Find a middle ground.

[travelnutz]

Nothing wrong at all with trying to work with your neighbor so you can hopefully get along. However, re-read the OP's original post and it seem to be well beyond that stage as he is continuously harassing them and bad happenings are likely to finally erupt. Hard to deal with a moronic person or some people discontents but the law etc sure will and you must involve them to stop the harassments before violent actions happen.

Go along to get along seldom really works as it usually only builds more and deeper resentments! Getting enforcement in-acted and involved usually puts a damper on many issues as it's now in the offender's official file records. Why do you think something like a PPO is so often issued by the courts and enforced? Arrest and often jail usually follows breaking a PPO. At least here in our state it does.

[2lazy4U]

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.