Skip to main content

Windsor fire department says they're 'done being nice' following surge in open air fires

(Source: daniilphotos/iStock/Getty Images Plus) (Source: daniilphotos/iStock/Getty Images Plus)
Share

The Windsor fire department says that they were called out for open air fires more than 70 times this summer.

That’s despite the fact that backyard bonfires are prohibited, unless being used for cooking, fire hazard abatement, or agricultural purposes.

If residents are looking to have a recreational fire, and it isn’t ticking one of those boxes, they must purchase a $150 permit.

Chief fire prevention officer Mike Coste told AM800 that residents are ignoring the by-law – and a violation could cost you a pretty penny. The fee for violators is currently set at $150 per hour plus HST if you’re caught without a valid permit.

“If it happens again then we'll be taking you to court, and that's up to a year in jail and a $50,000 fine. Those are the extremes, but we're done with the warning and being nice because it's not working.” 

CTVNews.ca Top Stories

W5 Investigates

W5 Investigates What it's like to interview a narco

Drug smuggling is the main industry for Mexican cartels, but migrant smuggling is turning into a financial windfall. In this fourth instalment of CTV W5's 'Narco Jungle: The Death Train,' Avery Haines is in Juarez where she speaks with one of the human smugglers known as 'coyotes.'

Stay Connected