But only within reason: Cranbrook Fire & Emergency Services

A number of excessively large campfires in the city and the smoke from some of these fires has created an influx of complaints to Cranbrook Fire & Emergency Services this spring.

Residents using campfires and other cooking fires need to be aware of a number of things in order not to be a nuisance to your neighbours.

“The first is being aware of the venting index – the ability of the atmosphere to disperse airborne pollutants like smoke,” says Wayne Price, Director of Cranbrook Fire & Emergency Services. “The second is that when the weather is warmer neighbours in the immediate vicinity often have windows and doorways open. Often these types of issues are a result of an oversight of the person or people using the campfire.”

Those who use campfires or other outdoor fire pits are encouraged to monitor the venting index before using a campfire. You can access this information online at www.elp.gov.bc.ca/epd/epdpa/venting/venting.html or by calling the Fire Hall at 250-426-2325.

A guideline is also in place that limits the size of fire pits to 24 inches in diameter. The intent is to ensure that campfires are controllable and do not pose a threat from either radiant heat or flying embers to surrounding properties or other combustibles.

A copy of a Public Safety Notice, respecting campfires within city limits is available on the City of Cranbrook website under ‘Cranbrook Fire & Emergency Services’ at https://cranbrook.ca/our-city/city-departments/fire- and-emergency-services/information-bulletins/.

City of Cranbrook

Article Share