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.
