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I was recently reprimanded by a neighbor. The problem is, I don't know which neighbor.

My husband had built a brick fire pit and so we had friends over for a barbecue. The evening ended with us all sitting around a small fire. A couple days later I checked the mail to find an envelope addressed to "The Backyard Burners," which contained a printout from a webpage concerning burning trash and yard debris, which is illegal, complete with highlighted sections. Whoever sent it actually stamped it and sent it through the mail, apparently afraid of getting "caught" if they simply dropped it in the mailbox. The return name was "Your neighbors who don't want you to pollute." How very socially responsible of them.

I spoke to the Fire Marshall, and though he assured me that it sounds like we were following the city laws and regulations on backyard fires, we don't know who to pass this information on to. He also pointed out that unfortunately, "just like anybody can sue anyone else, anyone can call and have a firetruck sent to your house."

It seems to me that if someone feels the need to try to correct someone else's behavior, they should at least have the decency and respect to identify themselves. How else am I meant to know who's so much holier than I am?

posted 4 years, 10 months ago
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