Outdoor Fire Places

Use of “Wood Burning Outdoor Fireplaces” within Town Limits

In April of 2023, recent Local Governance Reform was implemented by GNB that significantly increased the area of “forest land” that lies within the jurisdiction of newly formed towns. Due to this, DNRED now requires that the Town of Oromocto follow any burn bans and daily burning restrictions as set out by DNRED from the third Monday in April to October 31, 2023. This includes residents who own an Outdoor Firepit Permit. The three levels of burning permissions are open burn, burning permitted from 8pm-8am, and no burn. These restrictions are posted daily after 2pm and can be found by phone 1-866-458-8080 or online at https://www2.gnb.ca/content/gnb/en/news/public_alerts/for est_fire_watch.html.

Throughout the summer, the Oromocto Fire Department will be using their social media platforms to assist in updating the public on burn conditions. Below are the photos that will be used to represent burning permissions.



The following requirements apply:

• The appliance must be a commercially manufactured outdoor fireplace covered with a suitable steel wire mesh which has 6mm (1/4 inch) openings.
• The appliance must be located at least 3 metres (10 feet) from any combustible materials. This would include structures, fences, combustible patios and decks, trees and other vegetation such as un-mowed grass. This distance may be decreased if the appliance has been tested by a recognized testing agency, and the required distance is marked on the appliance or is available in the owner’s manual.
• In the case of rental property, a letter from the owner must be received, stating that the owner is aware of the use of the appliance, and that they have no objections.
• There shall not be any burning or refuse (garbage etc.), petroleum products (gasoline, oil) or materials, such as leaves, which create large amounts of smoke, at any time.
• The Oromocto Fire Department reserves the right to cancel all burning in outdoor fireplaces within the Town of Oromocto at anytime during any weather fire conditions.
• The Oromocto Fire Department reserves the right to extinguish any outdoor fireplace fires during non-burning conditions or complaints.
• The permit issued by the Fire Department may be revoked, without notice, at any time on complaint of excess smoke or unsafe burning.

To obtain a permit, please click here, fill out the form, and return to the Oromocto Fire Department at 50 Miramichi Rd. or contact us at 357-2201 to schedule a time for our crews to inspect your outdoor fireplace.

**NOTE - Outdoor propane appliances/fireplaces/fire pits do not require an Oromocto Fire Department permit and do not fall under the Department of Natural Resources and Energy's Forest Fire restrictions.
 

Examples of unsafe outdoor fire places

On the left - This fire place is far to close to all the combustables (chairs, house, deck, propane tanks)

On the right - A fire place should never be put on a deck. It could catch the deck, house, chairs, and other combustables on fire.

                          Examples of safe outdoor fire places
 

On the left - This steel fire place has 1/4" openings and is the regulation 3 metres (10 ft.) from all combustable materials.

On the right - Patio stones or concrete slabs like these are great for safety and cleaning.