WE WANT PERMITS FOR OPEN-AIR-BURNING WITHIN CITY LIMITS. (April 29th, 2009)

Dear Mr. Mayor Eddie Francis and Cheif David Feilds:

As a respected citizen of Windsor, I plead with you regarding this No open wood-fires within the city limits. Some people do take advantage of safety precautions when having a bonfire, but for the majority, we are cooking food, congregating with friends and winding down from a long weeks work; we have our garden hoses on and nearby if necessary and try to keep the noise level down so as not to disturb the neighbours.

Our citys Fire Chief, David T. Fields, is being a little harsh with the bonfire laws:
To ensure that you are not in violation of the Ontario Fire Code, use only charcoal, natural gas or propane as acceptable fuels for the cooking of food on a grill or barbeque.

***NOTE charcoal is made from burnt wood!!!!!***

If a complaint of open air burning is received, Windsor Fire and Rescue Services will investigate and act accordingly based on the restrictions of the Ontario Fire Code. If fire is not used to cook food on a grill or barbecue, charges may be filed and individuals, if convicted may be liable to fines up to $50,000 or imprisonment for a term of not more than one year or both.

The Ontario Fire Code states the following regarding open air fires:

2.6.3.4. (1) Open air burning shall not be permitted unless approved, or unless such burning consists of a small, confined fire, supervised at all times, and used to cook food on a grill or a barbecue.

(2) Sentence (1) does not apply to an appliance that is in conformance with the Technical Standards and Safety Act, 2000, is for outdoor use and is installed in accordance with the manufacturers instructions.

2.6.3.4. (2) covers outdoor fireplaces that use natural gas or propane. It appears everything else is at the discretion of Mr. Fields. Therefore, he can approve or deny applications from residents so all were asking for is the ability to apply and not just told NO.

The Ontario Fire Marshall developed communiquй NO.2005-09, with the intention of providing guidance to fire and other municipal officials on measures that could be considered to manage open air burning practices within their communities.

In MOST townships and cities in Canada, they offer a seasonal bonfire permit that allows a citizen to burn wood (no yard clippings, waste, garbage, leaves, etc) within an enclosed structure for the purpose of cooking or entertainment. I am asking that you kindly work with Mr. Fields on this and introduce a $35-50 a year fire permit that will allow the majority of the people willing to follow the rules have a fire in their yard, within reason of course. This will allow us to have controlled bonfires within the city and create a revenue source for the Citys Fire-Rescue Services.

A good example is the Town of Kingsville; they have the by-law and the application for open-air fires available on their website.


Once in possession of a permit and this citizen does not follow the regulations contained within that permit (or not having one at all), they can be fined at that point without question. However to fine a Windsorite for simply having friends and family over to celebrate an occasion or just congregate as friends around a small controlled and safe bonfire, is unacceptable.

Since this no-wood-fire By-law is in currently on the table for discussion with council at this time, I know you will take this letter with all seriousness as I also intend on sending it to everyone I possibly can and present this petition to you personally. All we are asking for is the permit so we can choose.

Thank-you for you time and consideration.