SMLCA Members should be aware of the new Burning By-laws – and related fines – for both recreational fires (campfires)and non-recreational fires (bonfires), as well as fireworks, barbeques, and gas-fired outdoor appliances.

As a result of extremely dry weather patterns in 2018, the Township enacted a total fire ban lasting nearly 20 days. However, despite those precautions, the Fire Dept. had to respond to 19 burn complaints, 11 calls for forest fires, and there were four charges summonsing violators to court for burning by-law offences.

Under the new by-laws anyone who sets or maintains an open air fire must first obtain a burn permit from the Township.  These are free, valid for the calendar year, and can be completed and submitted online through the Township’s website here: https://forms.gbtownship.ca/Burn-Permit.   These fires must be supervised at all times and shall not cause a nuisance. Permit holders may only burn ‘class A combustibles’ and not garbage, treated wood, plastics, rubber, tar, or other hazardous materials.

Recreational campfires (for cooking or warmth) are not allowed during times of extreme fire ratings. They shall not be closer than 6 metres to any structure or vehicle and shall not exceed 1 metre in diameter and 1 metre in height.

Non-recreational bonfires are not allowed during times of high or extreme fire ratings. They shall not be closer than 15 metres of a structure or vehicle and shall not exceed 4.5 metres around the perimeter of the fire.

New requirements this year state that all barbeques, gas-fired outdoor appliances and fireworks shall be supervised at all times. Fireworks will not be permitted when the fire danger rating is high or extreme.

To support these new measures and ensure that there is no confusion about what type of burning is allowed, fire permits will not be issued when the fire rating is high or extreme.

If the Fire Department is dispatched to a burn site for an out of control fire, hazardous fire or a fire that does not conform to the new by-laws, then the owner of the property will be responsible to pay the user fees for equipment used to help recoup their costs on those types of calls. In addition, the new by-law adds 38 new set fines ranging from $250 for most offences, up to $500 for more serious events and charges can be laid on the spot.

These new by-laws and stricter enforcement penalties will hopefully keep our forests and cottages safer and will see a decline in the number of calls for the fire department and the by-law officers.

Look for all the details and set fines for various offences on the Township website here: https://www.gbtownship.ca/en/living-here/burn-permit-and-by-law.aspx.  You can send any questions to swoll@gbtownship.ca or call 750-538-2337 X249.