Two property owners are facing charges for unauthorized open-air burning.
The Huntsville/Lake of Bays Fire Department says the events occurred within the last few days.
Materials being burned and the pile sizes weren’t within guidelines and firefighters had to extinguish the blazes.
The charges were laid under Burning and Fees/Charges bylaws.
The fire department reminds residents of the provisions in the Open-air Burning By-law, which ensures open-air burning is conducted safely.
Key highlights of the by-law include:
- NO DAYTIME BURNING. Burning may be conducted between the hours of 6 pm and 8 am
- Only clean, dry wood may be burned
- Non-recreational open-air burning pile size NO larger than 2m (6.5 ft.) x 2m (6.5 ft.)
- Recreational burn area no larger than 61 cm (2 ft.) x 61 cm (2 ft.)
- Open-air burning must be supervised by a competent adult at all times
- A hose or other form of fire extinguishing method must be immediately available when conducting any type of open-air burning
- Smoke may not obscure roads or buildings
- Sparks must not travel to adjacent buildings
- Clearly defined minimum distances to combustibles and structures must be maintained
- Fires must be completely extinguished prior to the burn site being vacated
Every owner shall ensure that all open-air burning on their land complies with the bylaw. Failure to comply may result in fines plus costs incurred.
Photo via Matt Sitler, Country 102.