what does the word rods mean in this law?

[MR. GOGGLES]

Whoever is concerned in causing or making a bonfire within 10 rods of any house or building shall be guilty of a misdemeanor of the second degree,

 

[Rhonda]

the term rods is meant as a source of measurement.....
just as the word chattel refers to property and the domicile refers to place of residence. Old law terms

 

[Esther S]

A rod is a unit of measure equal to 5.5 yards. So the statute bands making a bonfire within 55 yards of a house or building.