It's a nice gesture from Temiskaming Shores to its citizens.
All fire permit fees have been waived for the rest of the year to allow people to enjoy the outdoors without an extra financial burden and a way to says thanks.
"We know everyone is really struggling in a number of ways, financially and even from a mental health perspective from being cooped up, so this is a little bit of a gesture of thanks," City Manager Chris Oslund told BayToday.
The City sells about $13,000 in fire permits every year so it's not insignificant from the city's financial perspective.
"But it's a little way to say to our citizens, 'listen, we're all in this together and we know everyone has their own challenges and so we're not going to charge you the 20 bucks this year for your fire permit."
Those with an expired permit are good to go, but Oslund says they still want new applicants to register with the fire department.
"Our big struggle is with a lot of people who did not have a permit last year. We do inspections just to make sure you're not too close to your house or neighbour's house or tree line. We ask where you're going to have your fire pit and then we do a little sign-off. We have a sheet we hand them and make sure they have water available.
"But we have a plan in place. If you phone in, our fire prevention officer will go out and do an inspection for new permits, and those fees are waived for 2020."
Oslund says the gesture has been well-received by citizens.
"I think people were just so happy that they were able to have a little backyard fire again."
There are a few commonsense rules:
- Continue to burn only if conditions are safe
- No day burning - You may only burn from 6 p.m. – 8 a.m.
- Only burn dry, woody type materials - Household trash, plastic or tires are illegal to burn. You may not burn grass or leaves or anything that may cause excessive smoke.
- Always stay with your fire - a responsible person of 18 years or older must be present to supervise the fire at all times.
- Respect your neighbour - Don’t burn where smoke will bother your neighbour or blow across roadways or hamper visibility.
- Control your fire - Only burn what you can effectively control. Don’t consider burning when it is windy.
North Bay still requires you to buy a burn permit for $26.
You must burn in a safe location while using an approved manufactured appliance.
You can apply online here.
