In the coming weeks, as residents begin to get outside to enjoy their backyard spaces, Niverville’s town council wants to make sure everyone is doing it safely.
Niverville’s Fire Prevention and Emergency Service bylaws have been under review, especially those that involve open fires, fireworks, and the use of sky lanterns.
Fireworks
With warmer weather comes ideal conditions for outdoor celebrations of all kinds. For many, fireworks and sky lanterns (or Chinese lanterns) are a great way to mark an occasion.
Before you head to the store to stock up on Roman Candles, Skyrockets, and Aerial Repeaters, though, you’ll want to know what the local restrictions are—that is, if you hope to avoid a fine.
First and foremost, a fireworks display permit must be obtained from the town office in advance of their use. The permit applicant must be at least 18 years of age and will need to be the person who will be setting off the fireworks or the owner of the property on which the fireworks display will be set up.
Permits will be issued only to pyrotechnic professionals if the fireworks display is considered high hazard.
The town has the right to require proof of insurance before issuing a permit to either a resident or pyrotechnic expert. The insurance, if required, would need to be in an amount sufficient enough to provide reasonable coverage in the case of accidental harm resulting from the fireworks display.
Fireworks are strictly prohibited on or near any highway, street, or lane. For setup on public property, approval must first be granted by the town office.
All fireworks displays must be set up in such a way as to ensure the safety of people and property. Efforts should be made to keep spectators at a safe distance and suitable fire extinguishers must be close at hand.
After the display, unused fireworks must be removed from the site and safely disposed of.
The use of sky lanterns is strictly prohibited in town limits.
Open Fires and Firepits
It’s almost time to pull out the rakes and lawn equipment. If you’re inclined to take a match to all that excess organic matter, town bylaws have something to say about that.
In Niverville, the burning of leaves, garden refuse, and hedge clippings on private property is permitted only twice per year, during the spring and fall seasons, and only within an approved burn receptacle.
Controlled burning can take place between Monday and Saturday from 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. during those periods.
Firepits are mostly restricted to backyard use with the exception of the driveway if it’s located at least ten feet from any combustible items. Portable firepits are not allowed for use in outbuildings or garages.
Firepits must be at least four inches high but extend no more than two feet above the surrounding grade. A supply of water or sand must be kept nearby to extinguish the fire before walking away.
Users are expected to be good neighbours, ensuring that any smoke resulting from the fire doesn’t cause a nuisance in the neighbourhood or to traffic on nearby streets.
The use of burn barrels and burning of garbage is prohibited.
