St. Marys residents reminded to follow new open air burning rules

With warm weather on the horizon, the St. Marys Fire Department is reminding residents about a new step that must be taken before having a backyard campfire. 

An Open Air Burn Permit is now required for all open air burning in town, including backyard campfires and outdoor fireplaces. The permit costs $25, paid by cash or cheque, and can be obtained at the St. Marys Fire Department (172 James Street South) during regular business hours (Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.). A copy of the Open Air Burn Permit Application form is available at www.townofstmarys.com; it can be printed and completed prior to visiting the Fire Department.

The permit requirement is part of the new Open Air Burn By-Law, which was enacted by Town Council in 2017. The by-law provides guidelines for when open air fires can be set, how big fires can be, what materials can be burned, and how far fires must be from structures, like houses and sheds. The by-law also authorizes the Fire Chief or his delegate to issue an Order to Discontinue Activity and an Order to Extinguish.

“The by-law exists to strike a balance between public safety and improving customer service,” said St. Marys Fire Chief Richard “Andy” Anderson. “It’s nice for people who wish to have a small camp fire for recreational use and for warmth. However, you must keep in mind neighbours that may have an increased sensitivity to smoke and smells in the air.” 

The Fire Department reminds residents to never leave a fire unattended, never burn when it is windy and always have a source of water available to be able to extinguish the fire.

Visit www.townofstmarys.com or call the Fire Chief at 519-284-2340, ext. 201 for more information about open air burning.

- 30 -

Contact

Brett O’Reilly | Corporate Communications & Events Manager
519-284-2340, ext. 432 | boreilly@town.stmarys.on.ca