The Moncton Fire Department receives a number of reports each year of fires in backyard pits.
Chief Conrad Landry says many come from concerned neighbours.
“In the summer, we get two to three calls per day, so that’s fairly significant. A lot meet the requirements while others don’t, some because they aren’t aware, so it’s an educational thing. With a permit process, everyone would be educated, because part of the permit process would be reading the requirements and agree that you will follow them,” Landry says.
Currently, when the province issues a fire ban, residents can still burn within city limits.
Landry has introduced a by-law that he hopes will reduce confusion, “This by-law would force citizens to abide by the fire ban if the province had one. Second is a fire pit permit people would need to apply and send a photo of their firepit. We would need to know where they are and make sure they meet the codes and regulations.”
Landry says, “It has to be in a container. It can’t be an open fire pit on the ground. It has to be non-combustible. You have to have a grill or a screen on top of it, so it reduces the amount of amber that flies over. You have to have either a hose or a fire extinguisher close to it. It has to be a certain distance from decks or other structure. The ultimate goal is to prevent the spread of fires, and also so residents can have fires without bothering their neighbours.”
This would be very similar to a firepit permit requirement in Dieppe. new rules would be in effect The fire pit permit would be effective January 1st of 2022.
The by-law passed first reading at City Council Second reading will be on July 5th.