Fire Services Bylaw Breakdown
A look at year-round burning regulations and spark arrestor requirements in Lac Ste. Anne County.
Landowner Compliance
Permits, Pits, and Prohibited Piles
Stay on the right side of Fire Services with this essential guide to year-round burning regulations and spark arrestor requirements in Lac Ste. Anne County.
Running a farm or ranch is a high-stakes endeavour with a lot of moving parts, and the last thing you need is an out-of-control situation.
Whether you are clearing brush or just plan to enjoy a weekend campfire, understanding Bylaw #29-2020 isn’t just about avoiding a ticket; it’s about protecting your livelihood and your neighbours. Here is what every Lac Ste. Anne County producer needs to know to stay compliant.
County-Approved Burning
Permits Are Required Year-Round
In Lac Ste. Anne County, fire safety isn't seasonal. Fire permits are required at all times of the year if you plan to light an open fire or a structure fire.
- Standard Validity: Most permits are valid for a maximum of 10 days.
- Long-Term Options: For bigger projects, the County Fire Chief can issue permits for 30, 60, or 90 days, depending on your safety plan and site conditions.
- The Nuisance Clause: Even with a permit, if your smoke impairs visibility on a roadway or becomes a safety concern, you must extinguish the fire immediately upon request.
Permit-Free Burning
Some Activities Don't Require Paperwork
You don’t always need a permit for the small stuff, provided your gear meets the County’s safety specs.
The Burn Barrel
To be acceptable, your burn barrel must:
- Have at least 3 metres of clearance from any building or combustible material.
- Be equipped with a spark arrestor mesh screen (openings no larger than 16 mm).
- Be constructed of non-combustible material.
The Fire Pit (Recreational/Cooking)
- Must be placed on a non-combustible surface like gravel, sand, or concrete.
- Requires a spark arrestor screen (6–16 mm mesh).
- Flame height must stay below 90 cm.
Burn Barrels Aren't always Allowed
If you live in a hamlet or multi-parcel subdivision, burn barrels are a no-go. If you're ever in doubt, contact your friendly neighbourhood fire guardian.
Fire GuardiansTrash Talk
What You Can and Can’t Burn
It's tempting to toss everything into the pile, but the County is strict about prohibited debris. Burning prohibited items releases toxic substances and dense smoke, which is a direct violation of the Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act.
Burnable Debris
- Brush, fallen trees, and prunings
- Straw and stubble
- Untreated wooden building materials
- Grass and weeds
Prohibited Debris
- Rubber (including tires)
- Plastic (including baler twine)
- Wood containing preservatives
- Used oil or chemical containers
When it All Goes South
The Running Fire
A running fire is defined as any fire burning without being under the control of a person. If you light a fire—permitted or not—and allow it to spread to a neighbour’s property, you are looking at significant trouble.
Running Fire Liabilities
If Fire Services has to respond to an incident you caused, you are liable for the costs. The County doesn't just issue fines; it also recovers expenses. Under Schedules A and B of the Fire Services Bylaw, the costs can stack up fast:
- Fines: Fines can reach up to $25,000 per offence.
- Response Rates: You can be invoiced for every engine, tanker, and wildland truck that rolls onto your property, plus firefighter wages and consumables like foam.
- Tax Roll: If you don't pay the invoice, the County can add those costs directly to your property tax roll.
Report it Right Away
If you discover a fire (even a lightning strike or a holdover from a previous burn), you must report it to Lac Ste. Anne County Fire Services immediately.
Contact Fire ServicesThe Bottom Line
Burn within the Bounds of the Fire Services Bylaw
Be the neighbour who knows how to use the County's burning regulations to their advantage. Check the weather, secure your permits, and keep your spark arrestors on. When time permits, give the actual bylaw a once-over.
