Open Burning Permits

Many people assemble piles of branches, yard waste, and dead leaves as clean up. Our colleagues in Fire Prevention wish to remind all of our citizens that all "Open Burning" in the City requires a Permit. Permits must be obtained for all open burning within a specific area.

All sites must be inspected by a Fire Prevention officer. For more information, Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. call (705) 474-0626, ext. 4834.

There is a fee for these permits. The fee schedule is available at (705)474-0626, ext. 4834.

The Fire Code

In general, the regulation contained in the Ontario Fire Code addresses four fire safety issues:

• Fire separation for each dwelling unit
• Means of escape from each dwelling unit
• Smoke alarms
• Electrical safety

The owner has three options for compliance with the fire separation for dwelling units. Four options are provided for compliance with the means of escape from each dwelling unit.

Depending on the option selected for fire separation and means of escape, it may be necessary to install electrically wired, interconnected smoke alarms throughout the house. Where interconnected smoke alarms are not installed, every dwelling unit must be equipped with a battery operated or electrically wired smoke alarm on every level that contains a bedroom or sleeping area.

The owner is responsible for complying with the provisions of the Ontario Fire Code. You can read more about the provisions of the Ontario Fire Code by visiting the web site of the (Ontario) Office of the Fire Marshal at: http://www.ofm.gov.on.ca/ or go directly to the entire Ontario Fire Code at: http://www.ofm.gov.on.ca/english/Legislation/firecode/default.asp.

Fire Inspections

Inspections may be arranged the Fire Prevention Division, 474-0626, ext. 4834.

When are fire inspections required/performed?

1. If there are reported complaints of potential hazards.



2. When a lawyer makes an inquiry (usually on transfer of land).



3. Upon Sale of Land
   - Sale of apartment buildings
   - Sale of residential building with basement apartments
   - Sale of a large multi-use buildings



4. If the building/complex is a special use facility.
   
   The following special use facilities require an annual inspection:
   - Vendors carts and mobile units
   - Daycare facilities (including home daycare)
   
   Special use facilities which must perform fire drills twice a year includes:
   - Hospitals
   - Nursing Homes
   - Special care facilities for the challenged
   - Schools