Local Law amended

When Council consulted with the community late last year on whether to repeal the ban on backyard fire pits or not, there was overwhelming community support to make them legal.

Council has now reviewed and amended the Local Law, to allow residents to use a fire pit to provide heat on their property, but with added controls.

These include maintaining a safe distance to neighbouring properties and clearer definitions of types, makes and constructs of the firepits, to minimise health and safety risks. The ban on the use of incinerators and burning unsafe and offensive material has been retained.

If you enjoy a fire pit in your backyard, please make sure to consider fire safety and minimise any impacts on your neighbours who may have sensitivity to smoke.

Before you set up a fire pit, precautions to keep in mind include:

- Fires may only be lit in a barbecue, pizza oven or purpose-built fireplace (such as a brazier, chimenea or fire pit).

- A fire must never be left unattended.

- Make sure that everyone is safe around the fire .

- Do not let the fire spread beyond the fireplace.

- Do not burn dangerous or hazardous material.

- If a Council Officer orders you to extinguish your backyard fire then you must put it out immediately.

Council will be running an education campaign on the health and safety risks associated with using backyard fire pits this year, to remind residents of the dangers fire pits can pose if used incorrectly, and help keep the community safe.

For more information visit Local laws - City of Kingston