After a six-month study by the City of Winnipeg’s protection committee on the rules for backyard fire pits, it has decided not to change the bylaw.
According to a report by CTV News Winnipeg, the department looked at how other cities regulate open-air fire pits after some homeowners complained about excessive smoke.
One councillor, Russ Wyat, was against the review as he was concerned a permit process for backyard fires would be imposed upon homeowners, something that is not required in other cities such as Calgary, Edmonton, Saskatoon, and Halifax. Toronto and Vancouver do not allow fire pits.
According to Winnipeg’s community services department, a permit is not required for the following:
- Fires within an approved receptacle on a residential property;
- Fires for ceremonial or religious purposes within an approved receptacle;
- Portable barbeques operated in conformance with the manufacturer’s instructions;
- Appliances that are approved by the Canadian Gas Association (CGA);
- Fires permitted by the city as fixtures in campgrounds or parks owned by the City of Winnipeg; and
- Burning conducted by the Winnipeg Fire Department for the purpose of training.
Further, the bylaw also stipulates a fire must be at least 3 m (10 ft) from any building, fence, or tree.
The department study revealed six Winnipeg homeowners were charged and convicted with open air burning offences in 2014 and 2015.
