Modern Mississauga and the Mississauga Fire and Emergency Services have come together to present an ongoing series called “Fire Tip Friday” where we'll share tips on how to prevent fires in and around your home.
Today’s tip is on the updated open air burning by-law.

The start of each new season brings with it the sights, sounds and smells that stir up our favourite memories. In late November, the smell of pine needles lets us know that the holidays are coming and in early spring, the hopeful sight of carefully constructed birds’ nests lets us know that baby chirps will soon be heard in trees around the neighbourhood. In the middle of the year, it’s the look of a backyard bonfire and the smell of chocolate melting on graham crackers that propels us into thoughts of the happy days of summer.

Although bonfires and outdoor cooking are instrumental in seasonal entertaining for many of us, do you know the rules for open air burning in Mississauga?

Did You Know

A new By-Law was recently enacted in Mississauga and can be read [here]. The document clearly outlines what is and isn’t allowed when open air burning in Mississauga. For example, according to the new By-Law no open air burning is permitted when a smog alert has been issued for the region of Halton and Peel. It is your responsibility to understand and make decisions based on this information.

Do You Cook Outside?

In Mississauga, residents are permitted to set cooking fires without obtaining a permit between sunrise and 11p.m. There are however conditions that have to be met to ensure your outdoor cooking is safe and lawful. These include but are not limited to the following:

·         a fire extinguisher, operable garden hose or another way to extinguish the fire is available while the fire is burning;

·         the fire is located at a distance of no less than five meters between the fire and any building, structure, property line, tree, hedge, fence, roadway, overhead wire or other combustible article; and

·         the wind velocity is not greater than 24 kilometers per hour.

Smoke Houses

Relaxing outside and keeping warm on those chilly late summer nights is paradise for many residents and that’s allowable with the new By-Law. Outdoor fireplaces, appliances, fire pits and smoke house may be operated without a permit between sunrise and 11 p.m. but only if the rules are followed.

One of these conditions is focused on consideration for your neighbours. The outdoor fire can only be lit and maintained if it does not create a nuisance.

Don’t let your summer memories go up in smoke. Understand and follow the rules, avoid fines and let new memories be made all season long.

If you have any questions about fire safety, please contact Mississauga’s Fire Prevention Office at 905-896-5908 or fire.prevention@mississauga.ca and follow us on Twitter @MississaugaFES.