Fire Department

Reminder that you need a fire permit for big brush burns only, not camp fires (they are required from April 1st – October 31st). You can pick up your permit at the Municipal Office, have it faxed or emailed during their business hours. Permits for Saturday burning can be picked up on the Friday before. The permits are only good for the day of issue. Remember that you are still responsible for your fire even though you have a permit, so don’t burn in windy conditions.

Campfires DO NOT require a fire permit, only brush burns.  Please see below for the camp fire rules.

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.

A PERMIT MAY BE REQUIRED IN YOUR MUNICIPALITY CONTACT YOUR MUNICIPAL
OFFICE AT 613-257-1539.

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
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ARE YOU INTERESTED IN BECOMING A VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTER?

The Beckwith Township Fire Department has developed a 52 week volunteer program to provide interested individuals with the opportunity to participate in activities at the fire station.

The program is called “Introduction to the Fire Service”.

The purpose of the program is to provide individuals who are interested in joining the Beckwith Township Fire Department with a comprehensive introduction to the Ontario Fire Service. Introduction to the Fire Service Program provides participants with the opportunity to acquire many skills and knowledge with regards to fire station operations, firefighting apparatus, fire suppression, fire prevention and work place safety.

All recruits will be able to participate in regular meetings, maintenance, training and special activities under the direct supervision of a trainer facilitator or fire department officer at all times. All program participants will respect and adhere to all Beckwith Township Fire Service policies and procedures, regulating by-laws and any applicable legislation.

Requirements for entry into the program include:
– Minimum age of 18 years;
– That the applicant is a resident of the Township of Beckwith;
– That the applicant is in good health;
– That the applicant has submitted a completed application form.

Recruits that successfully complete the program may apply for a position on the fire department as vacancies occur.

The next program will be starting in January 2011. For further information on the program please contact Fire Chief Bill McGonegal at 613-229-2912.