The fire prevention officer for Iroquois Falls says all communities in the region are on the same page, in terms of fire tables and pits fuelled by propane not being allowed during the Restricted Fire Zone.
Steve Baker says his town, at least, offers serious consequences for anyone disobeying the rules.
“If the fire department has to respond, the person will be charged per vehicle, which is $450 per responding vehicle for the first hour, and then $225 per half-hour afterward,” he outlines.
There’s also a $105 fine. Other agencies might levy more fines.
Baker says a barbecue is okay, because it’s completely enclosed. He also acknowledges that a propane fire doesn’t give off sparks like a wood fire does.
“We understand that these devices are a lot less likely to be a source of ignition, they’re not like a standard fire pit or a campfire, but just given the current conditions, we don’t feel it’s worth the risk of being an ignition source, because it is still a risk.”
