The Huntsville/Lake of Bays Fire Department has responded to two unauthorized open-air burning incidents within the last few days. The materials being burned and the pile sizes were not within the guidelines of the Outdoor Burning Bylaw and the fire department was required to extinguish the fires.
The owners of the properties are facing charges under both the Burning and Fees/Charges bylaws.
The fire department would like to remind residents of the provisions in the Open-air Burning By-law, which ensures open-air burning is conducted safely. Key highlights of the by-law include:
- NO DAYTIME BURNING. Burning may be conducted between the hours of 6pm and 8am
- Only clean, dry wood may be burned
- Non-recreational open-air burning pile size NO larger than 2m (6.5 ft.) x 2m (6.5 ft.)
- Recreational burn area no larger than 61 cm (2 ft.) x 61 cm (2 ft.)
- Open-air burning must be supervised by a competent adult at all times
- A hose or other form of fire extinguishing method must be immediately available when conducting any type of open-air burning
- Smoke may not obscure roads or buildings
- Sparks must not travel to adjacent buildings
- Clearly defined minimum distances to combustibles and structures must be maintained
- Fire must be completely extinguished prior to burn site being vacated
Every owner shall ensure that all open air burning on their land complies with the bylaw. Failure to comply may result in fines plus costs incurred.
For more information, please visit huntsville.ca or lakeofbays.on.ca.