Follow the rules for backyard fires, Fredericton department warns
Before heading out to enjoy a backyard fire, Fredericton residents need to be aware not only of the province's fire warnings but also of city rules.
Anyone with a fire pit in the yard can't use it without a permit, the Fredericton Fire Department reminder residents on its Twitter account.
Deputy chief Dwayne Killingbeck says the permit and respect for the province's forest fire watch are essential.
"The hot dry conditions we've been having in the last while without any precipitation usually dictate the ability to have an open fire in the outdoors in the Fredericton area as well as across the province."
Killingbeck, the department's fire prevention officer, said some people don't realize the provincial ban applies in the city as well.
Follow the rules
A fire pit in the city might not cause a forest fire, Killingbeck said, but the embers can cause hot spots that can cause fires in nearby brush.
"It's important to follow the rules."
Killingbeck said the rules are dictated not only by the province's forest fire watch but by a city bylaw as well.
If someone lights a fire during a ban and is reported, firefighters will show up.
"They'll come and have a conversation with the homeowner and speak to them about the fire ban and let them know it needs to be extinguished."
Permanent permit
Killingbeck said compliance with department requests hasn't been a problem.
The fire department has issued 800 permits after inspecting fire pits at local residences.
A fire pit must be in a non-combustible container with a certain size mesh over the top, Killingbeck said.
"You can make it yourself or you can purchase one at a local store."
Killingbeck added that the fire area must be 10 feet away (about three metres) in all directions from all combustible material.
"You're only allowed to burn seasoned, dried wood. No leaves, garbage or rubbish."
The free permit is permanent as long as nothing changes, he said.
The department receives few complaints about compliance from upset neighbours.
"The percentage is very, very low of that type of call," Killingbeck said.
