CHANGES TO THE BURN PERMIT PROCESS ~ PLEASE READ BELOW:
The Beckwith Volunteer Fire Department reminds all residents that an active 2023 burn permit is required for open air burning (anything other than a campfire as described in the regulations below) from April 1st to October 31st.
Residents may obtain a FREE Burn Permit electronically by going online at https://beckwith.burnpermits.com/ or by contacting Municipal Office during business hours. Residents are required to obtain a single permit that is active for one calendar year.
Note: Permits are not required for Campfires.
Permit holders must call to activate their Burn Permit before each burn activity. Permit activation must be completed by calling the Burn Permit Line at (833) 525-1333 .
If you are having difficulty activating your permit, ensure your Permit is valid for 2023. Permits are not require for campfires, they are only required for large brush burns.
Enforcement actions may be taken against anyone who burns in violation of the Rules and Regulations.
For more information, please call the Township Office at 613-257-1539 or info@twp.beckwith.on.ca
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FIRE RULES AND REGULATIONS
FIRE
The rules/guidelines are strictly fire safety measures and do not relieve the person(s) in charge of the burning operation of responsibility for liability. Fire Permits are required from April 1st until October 31st only. Any person(s) who sets or allows a fire to burn and any person who is unable to control such fire, leading to the response of the Beckwith Township Fire Department, may be liable for the expense of the Fire Department, including personnel, equipment and apparatus costs incurred in response to the fire.
OPEN BURNING
1. No burning allowed on Sunday.
2. Materials to be burned may only be wood products.
3. Burning shall not occur on windy days or under weather conditions that limit the rapid dispersion of smoke.
4. No person shall set out a fire after dark.
5. Burning shall not occur, that causes an inconvenience irritation to others.
6. Every person(s) who starts a fire shall ensure that there is adequate equipment and water available on the site to contain the fire and, all remaining embers or ashes shall be removed or wet down thoroughly, before leaving the fire.
7. The burning of buildings, grass, hay, straw or leaves is prohibited.
8. No person shall burn on a road allowance or in a location, which would interfere with traffic.
9. No person shall set any fire out of doors except in the presence of a competent adult person and this person shall be in constant attendance of any burning operation so as to prevent the fire from spreading to or endangering, other property.
10. Burning shall only occur a safe distance (deemed to be 15.54 meters/50 feet) from any building, fence, trees, dry grass or hay, or any substance libel to create a danger.
11. Where permits are issued, the person in charge of the burning operation conducted under the permit, shall produce or show the permit to any Officer of the Fire Department whenever requested by the officer.
12. Burning shall not occur within 15.54 meters/50 feet of any telephone, cable or hydro lines.
13. Burning may be cancelled or suspended at any time, and immediately upon receiving notice of such cancellation or suspension all fires shall be extinguished.
14. Materials that shall not be burned include, cardboard, paper products, petroleum products, plastic, rubber, painted lumber and all recyclable items or products that will cause excessive fumes or smoke.
ALL AIR POLLUTION COMPLAINTS RECEIVED BY ENVIRONMENT ONTARIO MAY BE INVESTIGATED, AND CORRECTIVE ACTION CAN BE TAKEN UNDER THE ENVIRONMENTAL PRODUCTION ACT.
BURN BARRELS
NO PERSON SHALL OPERATE A BURN BARREL:
1. Without first obtaining a permit (where required) of first receiving authorization from the authority having jurisdiction.
2. Unless it is a metal barrel in good condition with a heavy-duty screen having a mesh size not greater than 5-millimeters/1/4 inch, covering any opening and securely held in place and the screen must be replaced when any portion is burned out.
3. That is situated less than 15.54 meters/50 feet from a forest, woodland or building.
4. Unless the barrel is situated in an area of bare rock or bare mineral soil, as least 2 meters/6 feet in width, immediately surrounding the burn barrel.
AS A COURTESY – NOTIFY YOUR NEIGHBOURS BEFORE BEGINNING ANY BURNING.
CAMPFIRES
A fire permit is not required for a campfire if the following conditions are met:
► The fire area is no larger than 60 cm (24”) in diameter
► The fire area is supervised at all times by an adult person
► There is a water source on hand the whole time the fire is burning
► The fire area is used to cook food on a grill or barbecue or is used for personal warmth
► The fire area does not violate any other laws, by-laws, rules or regulations
