Saint John moves to regulate fire pits and other outdoor fires

Saint John is turning its guidelines for fire pits and other outdoor fires into an enforceable bylaw in step with the province during wildfire season, especially at no-burn times.

Climate change has put Saint John at greater risk of wildfires within city limits and around the protected watershed, says a staff report to city council.

A bylaw that got first and second reading Monday night would regulate outdoor fireplaces and fire pits on public and private property and require people to follow provincial regulations on days when burning isn't allowed. 

This means the use of fire pits would be banned when category one fires — such as a campfire or fire that burns woody material — are not permitted in the region, according to the report. 

Fire chief wants enforcement tool

Fire Chief Rob Nichol told council Monday night that Saint John already has had guidelines, but it's the only major municipality in New Brunswick without the enforcement tools of a bylaw. 

This means there is nothing enforcing the "no burn" periods declared through New Brunswick's forest fire watch during wildfire season. The season generally runs from the beginning of April to the end of October.

The bylaw proposal grew out of concern expressed by Saint John Water, the city's water utility, about wildfires and the "devastating effect" one could have on the potable water supply. 

The proposed bylaw makes provisions for a contained fire that isn't in a fireplace, such as fires created for cultural, religious, charitable, educational or community-related purposes on public land. Permits would be required for these fires.

Individuals still would need a permit for an outdoor fireplace or fire pit on owner-occupied private property, but they would need to use screens on such fires to control dispersing embers. 

There would be no fees for the permits.

Safety, not revenue, the purpose

Nichol said the aim of the bylaw is public safety. 

"It's not about revenue generation — it's for repeat offenders," he said.

"We want to be able to use the teeth in the bylaw if there are people that aren't following what's required or doing something that's not safe."

The bylaw would still need third reading by council.

Nichol also said discretion would be used at homeless encampments, and the plan is not to fine a homeless person for having an outdoor fire. 

"It is really just about that kind of education, and if it's not safe, then we'll have to ask them to put the fire out. When it's something that people aren't following the bylaw, then you have that ability should you choose to exercise it. But again, there's a lot of discretion within that."