Bonfire permit now required in Town of Essex

Essex residents are now required to obtain a permit before lighting a bonfire after the town revised its open air burning bylaw Tuesday.

The bylaw applies not only to fires set by farmers, but also backyard bonfires and some campfires and fires set in fire bowls or pits.

Cooking fires such as barbecues are exempt.

There is no fee for a permit, but residents can be fined a minimum $150 for starting a fire without one.

In addition, residents are liable for the full cost of deploying equipment and labour in the event that an open air fire spreads. Residents may also be responsible for any damage to property or injury to people.

According to a release from the Town of Essex, camp fires that do not meet the following limits may require a permit:

Camp fires

• cannot exceed0.6 metres (two feet) long by0.6 metres wide by 0.6 metres high
• must be at least three metres (10 feet) away from combustible structures or objects

Open air fires require a permit and must meet the following criteria:

Open air fires

• cannot exceed 0.9 metres (three feet) long by 0.9 metres wide by 0.9 metres high
• must be at least 6.4 metres (21 feet) from buildings.

"There is still no fee for a burn permit; it's simply a matter of making a phone call," Essex fire chief Rick Arnel said in a statement.

Permits can be obtained by contacting the Essex Fire and Rescue Services on Monday, Thursday and Friday at 519-776-7132.

On Tuesday and Wednesday residents can call 519-776-6476.