Sudbury backtracks on backyard campfire permits

After a backlash from Sudburians, city council has reversed a decision requiring a permit to light a backyard fire.

Council introduced the changes to city by-laws stop people from lighting fires too close to decks, fences or bush.

• Sudbury residents fired up over campfire bylaw proposal

Ward 7 city councillor Mike Jakubo says backyard campfires are a way of life in Sudbury, and the problem with the rule was that it penalized every one for the wrongdoings by those few who were irresponsible with their fires.

"We live here because we love the outdoors and we love to enjoy it," Jakubo said, "and one of the ways we enjoy that is with backyard fires."

The original by-law would have charged $50 for homeowners to undergo an inspection before the city issued a fire permit.

If that was a mistake, then it's a mistake. Let's own it.- CouncillorJoscelyneLandry-Altmann

Ward 12 city councillor Joscelyne Landry-Altmann says council made a mistake by approving the fee and permit in the first place, and that everyone sitting around the council table is to blame.

"We all put our hands up," she said."I did as well. If that was a mistake, then it's a mistake. Let's own it."

Another report on enhancing the backyard fire bylaw will be presented to councillors June 28.