Public Input Sought for Open-Air Burning Bylaw

Published on: 2020/09/01 - in News

Input from residents is being sought by Kingston Fire & Rescue on an open-air burning bylaw that will clarify and enforce compliance in regards to when, where and how open-air fires are allowed in Kingston.

There are three aspects to the proposed bylaw that is open for input- permit types, regulations for each permit type, and the acceptable fees associated with each permit type – and the public can offer its opinions on these factors at GetInvolved.CityofKingston.ca.

“We have been getting more calls about open-air burning and are having to address many misunderstandings about what’s allowed. This proposed bylaw will help better define in advance what is and is not acceptable,” says Ted Posadowski, Chief Fire Prevention Officer.

Offered input will be incorporated into a proposed bylaw for Council’s consideration in October with a final bylaw is hoped to be implemented early in 2021.

“Other than the Ontario Fire Code, there is no municipal bylaw to effectively regulate compliance of open-air burning. KFR has been implementing an open-air burning operating guideline, in place since Aug. 7, 2013, but it presents a challenge for residents, first responders and fire inspectors and often leads to conflict between neighbours around what is acceptable open-air burning,” states a City release. “The fees from permits issued under the proposed new bylaw will be used to educate residents about open-air burning rules.”


Photo: Azadeh Farshidi (cc)