Public Service Announcement - Town of Lincoln lifts suspension on issuing open-air fire permits and moves to a new online permitting system
Residents can now obtain or renew permits online
(Lincoln, ON - Sept. 17, 2020) - The Town of Lincoln has lifted its suspension on issuing open-air fire permits. Residents are now required to obtain a burn permit for open-air fires.
While municipal offices were closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, residents were allowed to conduct open-air burning without a permit, as long as they followed all other regulations. These permits are now required and are available online.
“We thank our residents for their patience during the suspension and for their cooperation in ensuring they were burning safely for agricultural and recreational purposes,” says Town of Lincoln Mayor Sandra Easton. “We are happy to be able to improve the convenience of obtaining a burn permit by offering this new online service.”
According to the Town of Lincoln Open-Air Fire By-law, an open-air fire is defined as a fire in any open place, yard, field or area that is not contained or enclosed by a building or structure, and includes agricultural fires, chimineas, bonfires and campfires.
Permits cost $40 and can be paid for through the new online portal. There is no fee for farm burn permits on agriculturally-zoned lands used for farming operations. Burn permits are valid for the calendar year and expire on Dec. 31 of each year.
“Fall provides an opportunity for outdoor activities that may include open-air burning,” says Town of Lincoln Fire Chief Greg Hudson. “Open-air burning can be enjoyable and safe, but it must be done in accordance with the Open-Air Fire By-law. It is of utmost importance that residents are responsible and cautious when lighting and extinguishing fires.”
“Moving to the new online permitting system will allow our residents to more easily and efficiently apply for a burn permit. Improving how we deliver services is a key component of our new Digital Service Delivery Master Plan” says Chief Administrative Officer, Michael Kirkopoulos.
Effective 2018, several changes were made to the Open-Air Fire By-law, including new permit classifications, as well as a new Specific Event Fire Permit to facilitate campfires by community groups for specific occasions. A new section was also added covering the outdoor use of tiki torches and candles, which was technically unlawful under the previous by-law. The by-law prohibits the use of balloon-like flying lanterns.
Learn more about the by-law and the online permit process
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For more information, please contact:
Greg Hudson
Fire Chief, Town of Lincoln
Direct: 905-563-2799 ext. 253
Tel: 905-563-8205
ghudson@lincoln.ca