Backyard fire bylaw approved by town

A new Open-Air Burning Bylaw will allow property owners in the Town of Yarmouth to apply for a permit to have backyard fires beginning Oct. 27.

The bylaw was a key item on the agenda of Yarmouth town council’s Oct. 14 meeting . The bylaw, which will allow property owners to apply for a permit to have backyard fires when the proper conditions are met, was unanimously approved by council.

“We know how difficult COVID has been on everyone and relaxing by a fire in the backyard will go a long way towards our mental health,” said Mayor Pam Mood.

“What is most important is that we are responsible for acquiring permits, following the rules that have been put in place for the health and safety of all and being respectful of our neighbors.”

The bylaw outlines conditions that must be met by those who are granted permits. Conditions include hours for burning, the type of burning appliances allowed, the type of wood to be used, space requirements, and more.

The bylaw is also intended to promote public health, safety and protect the welfare of residents of the Town of Yarmouth from air pollution, nuisances and fire hazards associated with outdoor burning.

The permits only apply to wood-burning fires. Propane firepits do not require a permit as their use was already allowed.

The bylaw will come into effect Oct. 27. On that date, an application with complete instructions will be made available on the Town of Yarmouth’s website at www. townofyarmouth.ca.

Here are some key points to note for those interested in making application:

• To apply for a permit, you must be the property owner of the civic address being applied for.

• A processing fee of $50 will be charged annually for permits.

• Once an application is completed, a site visit will be arranged with the fire chief/ fire department staff to inspect the proposed location for burning and to ensure the yard meets all of the conditions detailed in the bylaw.

• Backyard burning permits will be subject to daily burn advisories issued by the Town of Yarmouth Fire

Department. Advisories will indicate whether those with a permit may have a fire. The Nova Scotia Burn Safe advisory, Environment Canada Air Quality Index, wind and fog will all be factored into the daily advisory.

• The public will be notified daily whether a burn restriction is in effect. Notifications will be made through signage at the fire hall at 221 Pleasant Street, and may appear on the Town of Yarmouth website, social media, or “Alertable” Community Notification system (more details to follow).

Full details can be found in the proposed bylaw. To view a copy, visit: https://bitly. com/BackyardFireBylaw.