With new by-laws permitting burning of wood and clean combustibles in Belleville, Fire Prevention Officer Norm Mitts joined CJBQ’s Lorne Brooker show to talk about the rules.
The by-laws, which have been worked on for around two years according to Mitts, now allows for people in urban areas to have chimineas or burn bowls.
Mitts said that they come with a number of rules to adhere to, but also said there are a few basic guidelines that people should know.
“Purchase a permit. Abide by the permit and burn safely. That’s my three rules that I’ve been putting out there but there is a fourth one that I’m going to be adding and that’s not to create a nuisance.”
The decision was made in late January by Belleville council after a period of public input.
According to Mitts, the basic rules include:
- You must purchase a burn permit. If you are not the property then you need consent from the property owner
- Fires must be in a metal or masonry container such as a chiminea or a burn bowl
- There must be a regulation spark arrestor
- The fire must be at least 3 metres from lot lines, buildings and overhead wires
- Fireplaces cannot be on decks or balconies
- Burns can only take place between 5 p.m. and 11 p.m.
- Absolutely no burning during an active burn ban
To purchase a burn permit click here. For more information on the new urban open-air burn by-laws contact the City of Belleville.