Fireplace/Firepit Complaints

Recommendation:
That the October 14, 2004, Emergency Response Department report 2004ERD015 be received for information.

Report Summary

This report is in response to an inquiry regarding the number of complaints received on the use of fire pits and the actions taken on these complaints.

Previous Council/Committee Action

·  At the December 20, 2004, Agenda Review Committee meeting, the October 14, 2004, Emergency Response Department report 2004ERD015 was postponed to the January 31, 2005, Community Services Committee meeting.

·  At the November 16, 2004, City Council meeting, the October 14, 2004, Emergency Response Department report 2004ERD015, was referred to the January 10, 2005, Community Services Committee meeting.

·  At the August 31, 2004, City Council meeting, Councillor R. Hayter made the following inquiry:

“I’d like a report from the Emergency Response Department and/or Planning and Development Department providing:

  1. Statistics on the number of complaints it has received annually over the past five years about the use of outdoor fireplaces and open air fire pits.
  2. An outline of action taken on these complaints, including Stop Orders.”

Report

Open Air Fire Bylaw #10874 prescribes the general provisions for open air fires and includes provisions for the construction and use of fire pits in the City of Edmonton. The Bylaw defines “Acceptable Fire Pits” and “Acceptable Fireplaces” (hereafter referred to as fire pits) and it also defines the materials that may be burned in a fire pit.

An Open Air Fire Permit is not required for the use of an acceptable fire pit that is used to burn acceptable materials. However, owners may apply for a permit when their fire pit does not conform to the standards as defined in the Bylaw, if the Fire Chief is satisfied that it meets appropriate safety standards.

Emergency Response Department (ERD) has responded to 1,675 complaints related to fire pits in the last five years as follows:

·  1999 154 complaints

·  2000 239 complaints

·  2001 382 complaints

·  2002 536 complaints

·  2003 364 complaints

The majority of complaints relate to smoke entering neighbouring homes, the burning of prohibited materials, or to the use of fire pits that do not meet the requirements of an “Acceptable Fire Pit” as defined in the Bylaw. The most difficult complaint to handle is the property owner who has a conforming fire pit, is burning acceptable materials, but uses the fire pit excessively.

When ERD responds to a property, the fire pit owner is advised that a complaint was received. The fire pit is inspected and if the complaint is substantiated, the owner is instructed to stop using the fire pit until it conforms to the Bylaw. In some circumstances where the fire is large, the smoke being generated is excessive, or prohibited materials are being burned, ERD crews extinguish the fire.

The majority of fire pit complaints are handled during the initial Fire Rescue response. In situations where the fire pit owner refuses to comply, a Fire Prevention Officer is assigned to the complaint. If the issue remains unresolved, it is escalated to Bylaw Enforcement. The Bylaw authorizes the City to fine for non-compliance.

Others Approving this Report

L. Benowski, General Manager,

Planning and Development Department

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