Source The Commercial Appeal, Memphis, Tenn.
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Nov. 08--A Germantown man who officials say was less than helpful when firefighters arrived at his door will get a chance to develop an appreciation for the work they do.
John Hershberger, 41, who could not be reached for comment, was given 20 hours of community service recently for having an illegal open fire on his property and for delaying firefighting efforts.
Germantown Fire Marshal Jody Dwyer said dispatchers got a call saying there was smoke and fire coming from the back of the home in the 2000 block of Oaksedge Cove near Cross Village and Germantown Road. When fire officials arrived at the home, Dwyer said Hershberger wouldn't tell fire officials where the gates to his back yard were.
"I think he was caught by surprise that a 911 call was placed," Dwyer said. "He tried to explain that he could handle it. But once we're called, our city ordinance says we have to put it out. He wasn't very forthcoming on how to get to his back yard."
Dwyer said Hershberger was burning leaves, limbs and brush about 8 p.m. on Sept. 11.
"I can't recall one similar to this in a long time," Germantown Fire Chief John Selberg said of the case.
Usually, a resident will get a warning but this case was different. City Judge Ray Cliff handed down the 20 hours of community service on Oct. 26. Dwyer said he's not certain when Hershberger will begin his community service, which generally includes washing fire trucks or cleaning up at one of the fire houses.
Germantown, like most cities, has a ban on open burning because fire officials are afraid a blaze could spread to nearby homes or a spark could land on the roof and possibly cause a fire.
