April 1 burning bylaws are no joke with $350 fine

GRAVENHURST — Fire officials here aren’t joking about burning bylaws that take effect April 1.

It’s zero tolerance on open-flame wood fires in Ward 1 where you face a $350 fine.

You could be fined up to $350 for illegal burning.

They say that with springs arrival and warmer weather ahead, the bylaw and fire departments would like to remind community members in Gravenhurst about burning regulations and safety.

As of April 1, daytime burning is prohibited until October 31.

In Ward 1: All open air burning is prohibited at all times.

According to Deputy Fire Chief Todd Clapp, that means: “Wood-burning outdoor fires are not permitted within Ward 1.

“Chimneas, flutes, baskets or other similar products are also NOT permitted within Ward 1 if the products are wood-burning.

“Outside of Ward 1 in Gravenhurst, fire pits and the other mentioned items are permitted providing the towns Open Air Burning Bylaw is followed while burning.

  • Areas outside of Ward 1 are permitted contained and supervised fires two hours before sunset through to 2 hours after sunrise, however are not permitted to burn during the day.

Factors to consider if burning:

  • Only class A Combustibles can be burned
  • Fires must be 15 metres from all structures and vehicles
  • Fires must be 5 meters from any forested area
  • Fires cannot exceed 2 X 2 metres in size
  • Fires are not permitted in windy conditions •   Smoke cannot impair motorists or other residents
  • Fires must be attended at all times with a water supply readily available
  • Zero tolerance for burning during declared fire bans
Gravenhurst’s three-season burning bylaw takes effect April 1 to Oct. 31.

These factors are enforced pro-actively and on complaint basis throughout the burning season and can levy fines ranging between $200 to $350.

If the fire is not a safety hazard and emergency services are not required, members of the community should call the Bylaw department to report a burning bylaw complaint,” said  Dustin Gronc, manager of bylaw services.

The town recognizes that the winter has been particularly hard on trees, shrubs and plants around properties and that there is likely a lot of dead-fall people wish to clean up. Instead of burning these materials we encourage you to take them to the local landfill where they will eventually be turned into mulch that can be re-used to keep our green spaces fresh and healthy. -30

For information on the By-law contact Gronc at 705-687-3412 ext.266 / dustin@gronc@gravenhurst.ca

And for more information on fire prevention contact Clapp at 705-687-3414 / todd.clapp@gravenhurst.ca