233050

Vernon  

Crews watch for illegal fires

Vernon Fire Rescue were called to an illegal burn Tuesday, but in this case only a warning was issued.

Deputy Fire Chief Lawrie Skolrood said VFR has been called to a few burning complaints over the past week with bylaw handing out fines in some cases.

In the latest incident, Skolrood said the man was unaware his fire was too large so a warning was issued, but a pallet fire at a local construction site last week did warrant a fine because of its size.

There is currently a ban on category 2 and 3 burns which prohibits the following activities:

  • The burning of any waste, slash or other materials (piled or unpiled) larger than one-half metre by one-half metre.
  • The burning of more than two open fires of any size at the same time.
  • Stubble or grass fires of any size over any area.
  • The use of fireworks, sky lanterns or burning barrels of any size or description.

While there is currently no ban on campfires, Skolrood said people are encouraged to keep such fires to half-a-metre by half-a-metre.

Skolrood said the bylaw limits the fire to a maximum of one-metre by one-metre.

“People have to realize it's the time of year we have to take more precautions,” said Skolrood. “It is very dry out there and it is supposed to be 30-plus by the weekend. That is going to dry things out quickly. It's something people have to take seriously.”



More Vernon News