Draft bylaw makes Open Air Burning permit free of charge

On September 1, 2020, Kingston Fire & Rescue (KFR) first requested public input on an open-air burning bylaw aimed at clarifying and enforcing compliance when, where and how open-air fires are allowed in Kingston.

After reviewing the feedback from the original proposal, KFR is again seeking resident input on a draft bylaw that will regulate open air fires in Kingston. This draft proposes that the permits for open air fires be issued free-of-charge, according to a release from the City of Kingston, dated Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2020.

“We’d like to thank everyone who offered feedback during the first round of public engagement this September. We heard you! Since the key goal is to make residents aware of best practices and safety-related rules for open air fires, we’ve eliminated the permit fee from the draft bylaw,” says Ted Posadowski, Chief Fire Prevention Officer.

The draft Open Air Fires bylaw and accompanying survey are available for review and input at GetInvolved.CityofKingston.ca until 4 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 30, 2020.

KFR is proposing the bylaw, crafted with the City’s Legal Services team, to address an increase in resident complaints about open air fires and apparent confusion about what is and is not allowed, according to the City. Survey participants are being asked to offer general feedback on the document as well as:

• Definitions of key terms
• Additional exemptions to be considered

If adopted by City Council, this proposed bylaw would introduce a free permitting process that would require residents to read open air fire regulations, the City said in the release. This would help ensure residents are informed about the regulations they must follow to protect themselves, their families, their property, their neighbours, and first responders.