EDITOR,
I am writing in support of Coun. Raiser’s proposal to eliminate the $30 fee for a bonfire permit (“Raiser looks to axe fire fee,” Chief, May 15).
Until I read the article in last Thursday’s Chief, I wasn’t even aware that a permit was required for a simple fire for cooking a few hotdogs, bannock or marshmallows. Previously fires “...for warmth, cooking or ceremonial purposes...” were allowed as long as they were kept to a specified (small) maximum size. I would be very surprised if any fires complying with the original bylaw required a fire department callout.
Large fires burning garbage, waste materials and especially wet leaves should remain on the banned list. I’m sure that these and the perennial bush parties (it’s grad season!) constitute most of the callouts. And I’m also sure that the $30 fee will not be paid by those doing this burning.
Concentrate on education; don’t penalize the backyard fire pit.
Victor Drought
Squamish
