Saint John closer to city’s first enforceable outdoor fire bylaw

Saint John is moving forward with a proposed bylaw for fines and penalties on outdoor fires.

The City of Saint John is moving forward with the introduction of its first enforceable outdoor fire bylaw, citing climate change and increased wildfire risks.

Saint John currently has guidelines for outdoor fire burning, but nothing enforceable aside from “nuisance fires.” Saint John is also currently exempt from burn restrictions issued by the provincial forest fire watch.

A city staff report notes Saint John is the only city without an enforceable outdoor fire bylaw, with Saint John Water concerned about “the devastating effect a wildfire could have on the city’s potable water supply.”

The proposed bylaw regulating outdoor fires had its first and second reading (out of three) at this week’s regular council meeting. The regulations would largely follow the current guidelines in place for outdoor fireplaces on public or private property, with the new addition fines and penalties. As well, outdoor burning in Saint John would now be bound by restrictions issued by the province’s forest fire watch.

The proposed bylaw has been in the works for about a year, and wouldn’t require permits. Following consultations, the new bylaw would require the use of screening on outdoor fireplaces, as well as requiring some sort of nearby extinguishment.

Under the proposed bylaw, fines would range between $140 and $2,100, excluding administrative costs.

Saint John Fire Chief Rob Nichol has previously said there would be discretion for issuing fines, adding it wouldn’t likely be a mechanism used when responding to outdoor fires at tent encampment sites.

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