Sault residents must buy a permit before any open-air burning

Fire services in Sault Ste. Marie is reminding residents that, under city bylaws, an open-air burning permit is required before they can start a recreational fire. (File)

Fire services in Sault Ste. Marie is reminding residents that, under city bylaws, an open-air burning permit is required before they can start a recreational fire.

“Existing permits are valid until their expiry date; however, all requirements of the bylaw must be followed,” the fire department said in a news release April 27.

“Yard cleanup and waste are not for open-air burning. Annual permits may only be purchased for residential properties and can be purchased for one year or four years. Only the owner of the residential property or tenants with the owner’s permission may purchase open-air burning permits.”

Written permission

People who are renting their homes must first get written permission from the owner before a permit will be issued. While on-site inspections are no longer necessary, “it is the permit holder’s responsibility to ensure they review and understand all open-air burning requirements.”

“Failure to adhere to the requirements of open-air burning may result in revocation of the permit, and remedial action costs to the owner in accordance with the city’s user fees and charges bylaw,” the release said.

Fines and penalties could also be imposed under the Provincial Offences Act.

“Once the permit expires, it is the permit holder’s responsibility to renew the permit,” the release said.

For more detailed information about open-air burn permits and requirements, click here.