Burning period for Nelson announced by Fire Chief
By Nelson Daily Staff
In a media release, Nelson Fire and Rescue Chief Len MacCharles announced the approved burning period subject to weather and local fire conditions from (Saturday) March 26 to (Sunday) April 17 — inclusive.
MacCharles said this opening is designed for residents to reduce the amount of deadfall, woody debris and long grasses around their homes to minimize the fire risk posed by these ground fuel.
The Nelson Fire and Rescue Chief said this is especially the case given the dry summer the region experienced in 2015 and the wind stom of June.
“There are a lot of branches and woody debris on the ground in Nelson from last year and this is about being “fire smart” and now is the time of year to make the difference from the coming summer and fall which forecasters are suggesting may be very similar to last year’s hot and dry season,” MacCharles explained.
MacCharles said burning of woody debris requires a permit and is subject to the following conditions (excerpt from Bylaw No. 3268, 2014):
a) competent person:
- must be at all times present and in charge of the fire while burning or smoldering
- must be provided with efficient appliances and equipment to prevent the fire from getting beyond control or causing damage or becoming dangerous to life or property
- must ensure that such fire is completely extinguished
b) no burning maybe carried out within five metres from any forest land, Buildings, structures, commercial or industrial property or any Combustibles;
c) burning may only be carried out during the hours of 8 a.m. and 6 p.m.
d) only clean, dry, solid and untreated wood and Woody Debris collected or accumulated from the Owner or Occupant’s land on which the burning will take place may be burned
e) no pile of burning woody debris may exceed 1.5 metres in diameter or one metre in height
f) accelerants, building materials and non-organic material are not permitted and may not be burned
g) despite the issuance of a permit, no burning maybe carried out if:
- it would be unsafe to do so due to climatic conditions or any other hazard
- if the air quality venting index is not good or is otherwise deemed by the Ministry of Environment or Ministry of Health to be not suitable for burning
h) the Owner or Occupant must provide proof of fire insurance in a form and with content and deductible satisfactory to the Fire Chief
MacCharles said permits must be acquired in person, at the Nelson Fire Department, located at 919 Ward Street for the $10 fee can that be paid by cash or cheque at the time of issuance and proof of fire insurance.
The Fire Department continues to encourage home owners to bring yard waste to the Grohman Narrows Transfer Station.
Residents are required to follow the Ministry of Environment’s Venting Index guidelines (or call 1-888-281-2992) and only burn on days when venting is listed as “Good” on the day of burning to minimize any accumulation of smoke-caused air pollution.
Residents are also required to report to Nelson Fire and Rescue on the days they intend to burn.
Contravention of Bylaw No. 3268 may be met with suspension or revocation of the permit and/or a fee for service.
MacCharles said the Corporation of the City of Nelson Bylaw No. 3268 can be found via the City of Nelson Website.
For more information contact the Fire Hall at (250) 352-3103 or fax (250) 352-6578.
