Council to vote on fire pit registration and burning time restrictions

A report going to Saskatoon city council on Monday recommending residents with fire pits register them online, might add fuel to an already large fire.

In addition to a registry, council is also being asked to decide whether to implement a fire pit burning window between 5 pm and 11 pm only.

The online registration would require photos and dimensions of the pit along with a declaration that the applicant understands the current bylaw.

“This is all about education. We want to make sure that if you have a fire pit, you know what the expectations are,” said asstistant fire Chief, Wayne Rodger.

The proposed registration would be voluntary but according to Rodger, council could implement an incentive.

“There may be a potential for a notice of violation ticket for example, if you’re operating an unregistered pit,” said Rodger.

Councillor Darren Hill believes the registry is off track. A fire pit discussion began when a parent whose asthmatic child is restricted indoors in summer because of coughing and choking bouts related to smoke, came forward to council asking for a way to deal with the problem in 2017.

“The current bylaw has the power to address those concerns. People with health issues or just smoke impact in their homes, the bylaw has the power to address those already, we simply haven’t enforced it,” said Hill.

In 2017 – 204 complaints were filed. 20% originated from the Mayfair neighbourhood while several neighbourhoods, had 0 complaints.

Typically the Saskatoon fire department (SFD) issues warnings for bylaw infractions rather than tickets.

Also being submitted to council on Monday is a petition with 10,639 against the proposed bylaw amendment to restrict burning hours.