Public Service Announcement
Important Fire Safety Message
Town of Happy Valley-Goose Bay
Volunteer Fire Department
Information for the Public
Release Date: June 30, 2020
The Town of Happy Valley-Goose Bay Fire Department is reminding the public that there are essential safety practices as they relate to backyard fires and personal fireworks.
As Canada Day approaches, the Town of Happy Valley-Goose Bay Volunteer Fire Department is reminding all residents that since April 22, 2020, a provincial fire advisory is currently in effect and includes within the municipal limits of the Town of Happy Valley-Goose Bay.
The Provincial Open Air Fire Ban includes the following:
- Grass Burning
- Brush Burning
- Camp Fires and
Residents are reminded of the Provincial Ban on Personal Fireworks currently in effect until further notice.
In accordance with the bulletin issued by the Provincial Department of Fisheries and Land Resources on April 22, 2020, open-air fires are banned except for contained fires such as fire pits, chimeneas, and burning barrels. Barbeques, including charcoal briquette and propane, when installed and used as per manufacturer’s instructions, are also permitted.
We request all residents to practice fire safety when using barbeques, fire pits, chimeneas, and burning barrels by always keeping a water source or fire extinguisher nearby and ensure a fire is fully extinguished when you are finished. NEVER LEAVE A FIRE UNATTENDED.
The Town of Happy Valley-Goose Bay Volunteer Fire Department has been committed to reducing the risk of COVID-19 exposure during emergency calls by adhering to social distancing guidelines. We ask all residents to co-operate by reducing the risk of wildfires and possible exposure to COVID-19 by firefighters and other first responders.
All Open Air Fires that utilize firepits, chimeneas, and burning barrels are required to adhere to the Town of Happy Valley-Goose Bay Open Fires Policy # PS0006 which states the following:
- The fire must be contained in a non-combustible enclosure with a surface area of not more than 60 cm square
- The fire enclosure must be not less than 5m from any combustible surface, and the bottom is on non-combustible
- The top must be covered with a suitable spark arrester screen, as per National Building Code/ National Fire Code.
- A source of water must be readily available in the event in an emergency
- The burning must be supervised by an adult at all times
- Only wood or by-products of wood may be burned. Ordinary trash, plastics, , shall not be burned due to toxicity and odor of smoke
- If any complaints are received from neighbors, etc., about smoke problems, the fire will have to be extinguished by the person starting the
- During the periods of high or extreme fire index or high winds, the above guidelines are void, and no fires
- At any time, the Municipal Enforcement Officer or a member from the Fire Department may inspect your fire enclosure and the area surrounding
- If a more serious fire results from the enclosed fire and it is proven so, the guilty party may be charged with all associated damage.
- If anyone of the above guidelines is not adhered to, the person may be charged with non-compliance of the town fire regulations.
To view the Town of Happy Valley-Goose Bay Open Fires Policy, follow the below link:
https://happyvalley-goosebay.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/Open-Fires.pdf
