Burning without a permit to end as of July 13
Jesse Bonello - Staff Writer
The Municipality of Sioux Lookout announced burning without a permit will be allowed until July 12.
As of June 13, residents will then be required to have a permit.
In a Facebook post on June 24 the Municipality shared, “Burning without a permit will continue to be allowed until Sunday, July 12, 2020 at 11:00 p.m. Permits required staring Monday July 13, 2020, after which time you will be subject to fines pursuant to By-law No. 11-04.”
“All residents burning brush and grass between July 9, 2020 and March 31, 2021 are required to purchase an annual “Open Air Burning Permit” for $10.00.
“All residents who have an incinerator must purchase an “Annual Incinerator Permit” for $10.00. This permit is valid for the period July 9, 2020 to March 31, 2021.
“Burning Permits will be available for sale beginning July 2, 2020 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Sioux Lookout Fire Hall, 39 Fifth Avenue (this is the only location at this time),” the post informed.
Earlier this year, former Sioux Lookout Fire Chief Rob Favot told The Bulletin residents must follow specific burning times throughout the fire season, which runs from April 1 to October 31.
“As of April 1, we follow the Forest Fire Prevention Act plus we have by-law 11-04. It’s entailed that burning starts two hours before sunset and has to be out two hours after sunrise. You must have a fire permit,” he said.
Favot said unsafe burning can lead to fines and additional costs.
“Fines range from $105 up to $155 if you don’t have a permit, if you’re not attending a fire, or the piles don’t comply. Any time you light a fire you’re responsible for that fire so, if it gets away, you’re going to be liable for the costs to put that fire out, whether it’s the fire department responding or if the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry respond. You’re going to be subject to a fine plus the cost to put that fire out,” he said.
For those looking to use a fire pit for entertainment, cooking, or warmth, Favot said residents don’t require a permit.
“If you’re just using it for entertainment, cooking, and warmth, and it’s in an enclosed fire pit, then you’re not required to have a fire permit. You have to burn chopped wood in those fire pits. If you’re burning big piles of brush or big piles of grass then you require a fire permit. If you’re just sitting around and you’re cooking marshmallows or hot dogs, and it’s in a contained area, then you’re not required to have a fire permit because it’s cooking or warmth,” he said.
For more information, contact the Emergency Services Department at 737-2564 or
[email protected]. Residents can also visit www.ontario.ca/page/outdoor-fire-rules-and-permits.