A new fire bylaw was approved Monday night at Council.

It includes 16 points and covers new information on both fire pits and outdoor fireplaces within city limits.

Fire Chief Rod Montgomery reminds the public to make sure that if you have a fire, make sure you have a method to extinguish it. "Don't leave the fire, in any type of setting, because if the wind picks up it continues to give off sparks. So when you're done with your fire for the evening, put it out. It's as simple as that."

With the weather being as dry as it is, Montgomery said to be mindful of your surroundings and be fire smart. "If you do come upon a fire, or you have an issue, you should dial 911 and get the appropriate agency repsonding to your emergency. Make sure you have a buffer, always have some type of method to extinguish a fire, keep your yards tidy, and just be mindful of the risks. Keep an eye on the conditions, and don't burn when it's windy."


The following is the Guide to Fire Pits and Outdoor Fireplaces - Fire Bylaw #5567

No person shall have an open air fire, except as allowed under this Section, or as permitted by the Fire Chief.

Fire pits and outdoor fireplaces shall meet the following requirements:
- the fire contained in a non-combustible receptacle constructed of concrete, clay, brick, or sheet metal with a minimum 18 gauge thickness.
- the receptacle is covered with a heavy gauge metal screen with openings not exceeding 13mm or 1/2 inch
- the size of the fire box does not exceed 75cm or 30 inches in any dimension.

The fuel used in fire pits and outdoor fireplaces shall be only charcoal, cut seasoned wood or manufactured fire logs.

No person shall cause, allow, or permit the burning of the following materials in a fire pit or outdoor fireplace:
- waste, including rubbish, slimes, manure, treated or painted lumber, livestock or animal carcasses, tailings, garbage, garden refuse, or scrap.
- any material classified by the authority having jurisdiction as hazardous material or dangerous goods.
- any materail that generates black smoke or an offensive odour when burned including, but not limited to, insulation from electical wiring, rubber tires, asphalt shingles, hydrocarbons, plastics and lumber treated with preservatives.

All fire pits or outdoor fireplaces shall be located a minimum of 3 metres or 10 feet from any combustible material, building, porch, deck, similar amenity space or property line.

Fire pits or outdoor fireplaces shall not be located or used on combustible decks or on apartment balconies.

All fire pits or outdoor fireplaces shall be seperated from grass and any other vegetation by a distance of at least 40cm or 16 inches by means of clean earth, sand, gravel or other non-combustible medium.

All fire pits or outdoor fireplaces shall be supervised by an adult so as to prevent the spread of fire.

If smoke from a fire pit or outdoor fireplace causes an unreasonable interference with the use and enjoyment of another person's property, the fire shall be extinguished immediately.

Fire pits or outdoor fireplaces shall not be used in windy conditions conducive to creating a fire spread.

Fire pits or outdoor fireplaces shall be clear of overhangs such as tree branches, utility lines and structures.

Any person that uses a fire pit or outdoor fireplace shall ensure that a means of extinguishing the fire is readily accessible at all times while the fire is burning.

Fire pits or outdoor fireplaces shall not be used between the hours of 12 a.m. and 8 a.m.

Where requested by the Fire Chief, a member of the Fire Department, a Bylaw Enforement Officer or a peace officer, a person shall extinguish a fire in a fire pit or outdoor fireplace.

Notwithstanding any provisions of this Bylaw, the Fire Chief my declare a complete ban of any burning of any kind in the City.

No person shall ignite or allow any kind of tire when a complete ban on burning has been declared.