April 25, 2001

Residents Reminded About Open Air Fire Restrictions

Now that spring clean up is in full force, residents are reminded that local bylaws make it illegal to burn grass or brush without a permit. Since April 1 and continuing until October 31, before any open fire can be lit within the municipality, an individual must obtain a one or three day fire permit from the Fire Department offices in Val Therese. At the present time there is no charge for these permits, but anyone caught burning without one is subject to $200 fine. A further restriction applies to when you can burn. Just having a permit to burn does not totally fulfil your responsibilities to your neighbours. Burning is to take place after 8 p.m., and the smoke created from your fire must not create discomfort. If someone objects to the smoke, you will be asked to extinguish your fire.

Another program which is still in place for the time being is that which enables individuals to still enjoy the odd evening camp-fire cook-out or sing-a-long. Under the program, residents who wish to have fires for atmosphere or cooking are welcome to purchase or construct a free-standing structure which provides for a controlled, screened-in fire along with a capped chimney. Such a structure must be located no closer than three metres from the nearest combustible object (shed, house, tree, etc.). Once you have your system in place, all you have to do is contact the Valley East Fire Prevention Officer, Bob Plante and arrange to have him visit you for an inspection. A simple form is filled out and signed and all you then have to do is phone the fire hall just before you are going to light up. There is no charge for this service and the permit is good for the entire year.

The fire department is merely trying to ensure that people are using approved systems which will prevent fires from getting out of control. If the system is not approved, then a permit will have to be obtained every time they want a fire. For example, if they want to build a fire in an open tub, or just in an open pit, they will need a permit. However, if it is in a backyard brick structure which is commonly used for cooking or barbecues, or if it is a manufactured system which is used for cooking or warmth, there will usually be no problem if it is not located too close to a combustible structure and has been built properly."

The annual permit for approved structures and the short-term permits are also designed to provide information to the fire department so that trucks are not needlessly sent to false alarms. However, even if all the approvals have been filled out and received, if the resident fails to call the department prior to lighting the fire, trucks may still be sent to the scene.

Anyone who is interested in finding out more about their responsibilities is asked to contact Bob Plante at 969-4811. Fire prevention is everyone’s responsibility, and it is important to remember that you don’t often get a second chance with an out-of-control fire.

 
 

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