Expect fines for illegal fires in Nanaimo
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Updated: July 16, 2009 9:18 AM
Catch you once, shame on you. Catch you twice, a fine is due.
That’s the message Nanaimo Fire Rescue is putting to the public this summer.
Fire chief Ron Lambert said firefighters are responding to numerous calls for backyard fires and campfires, which can potentially take resources away from more serious incidents.
Backyard burning and campfires in Nanaimo parks and beaches are prohibited.
The illegal fires began earlier than usual this year due to unusually warm weather and Lambert said firefighters are getting steamed over the time it takes to put them out.
He said fire officials want to remind the public there is a $100 fine for illegal burning and if people are caught a second time, after they’ve already been educated by firefighters, crews will be handing out tickets.
“One of the issues we have is people don’t understand when they can burn and when they can’t burn,” said Lambert. “The bylaw is on our website, but generally people don’t go searching for it.
“When we have the second occurrence, that’s when we’ll step in and make the fines.”
Backyard cooking fires are permitted within in city boundaries, provided the fire is contained in some sort of device or fixture, is no larger than 24 inches in diameter and burns clean, dry wood or briquettes.
But Lambert said the biggest problem right now is with campfires and beach fires.
“The individual that started it usually takes off when they see the fire trucks coming,” he said. “If we can find the people responsible, we’ll certainly charge under the bylaw.”
reporter@nanaimobulletin.com
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