City council approves new regulations for Edmonton backyard fire pits

Edmonton city councillors passed new regulationsTuesdayaimed at givingthe city more powers to douse troublesome backyardfire pits.

Prior to thevote, the city had no mechanism to deal with fire pits that mightmeet all regulations but could still beharmful to the health of neighbours.

Coun. Bev Esslinger, who voted in favour of the new regulations, said:"We're just giving some more tools to the bylaw enforcement officers, to help those neighbours when they can't work it out together."

Anyone who lodges a complaint about a fire pit will have to prove it is more than a nuisance and that it poses a real health risk.

Councillors raised concerns last fall about the impact of backyard fires on people with lung conditions and other health problems.

Under the new regulations, the citymanager will be able to issue written restrictions to reduce the impact of a fire, and those who refuse to comply could face a $250 fine.