Halifax Regional Fire and Emergency Handbook
OG 3011 Burning Permits
Issued By: FIRE PREVENTION (D. Day)
Approved By: Fire Chief William H. Mosher
Date of Issue: 2011/10/31
Forms Required:
• FP- 385 Burn Permit
• FP- 386 Campfire Burn Permit
PURPOSE:
To facilitate the issuance of Burning Permits for the control of Open Air Burning in the Halifax Regional Municipality.
OBJECTIVE:
Open Air Burning within HRM will be controlled through the use of Burning Permits issued by HRFE.
SCOPE:
This operating guideline applies to career/volunteer firefighters and Fire prevention officers within Halifax Regional Fire & Emergency.
PROCEDURE:
Burning Permits are to be issued in accordance with By-Law O-109, Respecting Open
Air Burning, and Administrative Order No. 33. HRM is broken down into two distinct zones,
“Permit Zone” where Municipal Burning Permits are required in locations that are fully serviced with both municipal water and sewer; and “No Permit Zone” where Municipal Burning Permits are not required in all locations that are not serviced with municipal water or sewer, as prescribed by Administrative Order No. 33.
Permit Zone:
“Open Air Burning” may only occur in the “Permit Zone” during the period of October 15th up to and including April 15th. The permit holder must adhere to all requirements of Sections 4, 5 and 6 of the By-Law. Residents may apply for a permit on line at http://www.halifax.ca/FirePrevention/OpenAirBurning.html.
No Permit Zone:
“Open Air Burning” may occur in the “No Permit Zone” throughout the year, however, during the period after April 15th up to and including October 15th a Department of Natural Resources Burning Permit is required. Open Air Burning in the “No Permit Zone” is subject to all terms and conditions of Section 6 of the By-Law throughout the year.
Fires for Religious or Ceremonial Purposes:
Fires for religious or ceremonial purposes may occur at any time of the year throughout the municipality. A Municipal Permit is required at all times in the Permit Zone and a Department of Natural Resources Permit may be required during the period after April 15th up to and including October 15th. Fires for religious or ceremonial purposes are subject to the conditions of Sections 4, 5 and 6 of the By-Law and any additional terms or conditions imposed by the Fire Chief.
Camp Fires:
Camp Fires are only permitted in the “Permit Zone” during the period of October
15th up to April 15th with a Municipal Campfire Burn Permit and are subject to the conditions of sections 4, 5, and 8 of the By-Law. Residents may apply for a permit on line at http://www.halifax.ca/FirePrevention/OpenAirBurning.html. Camp Fires in the “No Permit Zone” do not require a HRM Campfire Burn Permit; however, a Department of Natural Resources Permit may be required for open burning during April 15th up to and including October 15th .
Commercial Burning:
Contractors may apply for a permit to burn for those purposes outlined in Section 10 of By-Law 0-109 and are also subject to all conditions outlined in Section 6 of the By-Law.
Process:
The contractor must post a $10,000 bond, in the form of a certified cheque made payable to Halifax Regional Municipality or irrevocable letter of credit from a bonding company or financial institution, with Halifax Regional Fire & Emergency Administration Office. HRFE’s Administration Office shall be responsible for receiving, tracking and securing all bonds, certified cheques and letters of credit. Upon receipt of the bond, Fire Services Administration will notify the Duty Fire Prevention Officer that a bond has been posted, and provide them with the contact information of the contractor. The Duty Fire Prevention Officer will arrange to meet on site with the contractor, to confirm suitability of the site and compliance with the requirements of the By-Law, before issuing a permit. During the period of April 15th to October 15th, the contractor shall provide a copy of the necessary Department of Natural Resources Commercial Burning Permit prior to a Municipal Burning Permit being issued.
Return of Bonds:
No bonds are to be returned before three (3) business days after the expiry date of the permit. No bonds are to be returned prior to receiving confirmation from the Deputy Chief Director of Operations or designate, that there are no outstanding claims or issues pertaining to the burn site.
OPERATING GUIDELINE REVIEW:
This operating guideline shall be reviewed when/if there are changes/amendments to the issuance of Burning Permits for Open Air Burning within HRM.
ATTACHMENTS/APPENDICIES:
• By-Law O-190
• Administrative Order No. 33