Fire pits at forefront of bylaw update discussions

Miriam Ostermann
Times Associate Editor

 

In an effort to modernize Strathmore’s fire bylaw, and divert from stereotyping and discrimination, town council approved an amendment that also tackles the issue of fire pits – a growing concern for local politicians.
Bylaw 05-02, which was established in 2005, was outmoded and required adjustments to the fire safety inspection procedures, fee for servicing scheduling, removal or reference to fireworks, and fire pit application and permitting.
The new bylaw will regulate Strathmore’s fire pit types, sizes, fees, and allow for additional control – lacking previously with numerous illegal fire pits and inadequate record keeping.
While the amendment focuses on bringing the bylaw up-to-date, council remained concerned about fire pits currently situated within the town boundaries.
“The terminology that we used in the old bylaw was very dated and if I may say so prejudicial and sexist, and I wanted to have something that was politically neutral and so I had to remove some of the language,” said Muir Furzer, Strathmore’s fire chief. “The fire pits have been a big challenge for the town over the years. Under the old bylaw we didn’t have that control. Basically a person applied for a fire pit and it was accepted as is, no discussion. We kept the reports, but they had no significance. They had no meat.”
The proposal, which was brought before town council on Aug. 5, aims to provide fire service and develop regulations for controlling open fires. The new permits will require an applicant to provide the town with documentation about the fire pit, drawings, engineering for elaborate systems, and photographs of its proposed location. An inspector will then sign off and issue a permit number. While Furzer assured council that limitations are in place regarding the size of a fire pit and the various types of pits available, council was disheartened to hear the amendment will have no affect on existing pits.
“You build a fire pit that’s half the length of the yard and as tall as the building, you could barbecue a cow on there,” said Councillor Steve Grajczyk, regarding a specific pit in town. “They smoke tremendously … we must control it somehow.
According to Furzer, who said he’s been approached about several such sites, some of these fire pits slipped through the cracks previously and now the town’s hands are tied. However, the permit is not transferrable to new ownership of the property, if the current occupant were to move.
Under the new bylaw, a new fire pit application permit allowed for all fire pits to be registered within the town as of Jan. 1, 2015.
“So when a person comes back and he’s going to ask ‘I want to build this big Taj Mahal,’ we have first say on it,” said Furzer. “Under the bylaw – a fire service bylaw – the fire chief has the final authority and can say yes or no. I can guarantee you based upon what’s happened the last couple of years, it’s going to be regulated very strictly.”
Fire pits will now be issued serial numbers in order to be tracked by the town. According to Furzer, more than 500 permits have been issued over the past three years and the creation of a database was established two years ago.
Council also raised concern with insurance and informing the public. In response, Furzer mentioned including a letter into residents’ utility inserts upon approval of the amendment.
“I think it’s really timely and extremely useful, and I believe there are many homeowners in our community that want to ensure their fire pits meet code,” said Councillor Peterson.
Strathmore town council approved the amendment, fire bylaw 15-18, unanimously on Aug. 5.