**CITY OF TIMMINS MEDIA RELEASE**

The Timmins Fire Department would like to remind all residents that it is illegal to have a fire without a Residential Burning Permit.

Crews have been receiving complaints of people either burning without permits or burning restricted material within City limits, and would like to advise residents of the potential $550 fine for burning without a permit. The permit, which is good for one calendar year, at a cost of only $25, can be purchased directly from the Fire Hall located at 133 Cedar Street South by cash or cheque only. You can also now purchase a residential permit valid for up to three years for $75.

Special permits for burning slash and brush piles can also be purchased, but otherwise, burning is restricted to clean wood only (no treated wood, garbage, metal, plastic, grass or leaves) between the hours of 7pm to 12am in an approved fire pit.

“All complaints received by the Fire Department are investigated,” explained Chief Prevention Officer Rock Rice. “People need to understand that this is a privilege that can be revoked at any time if they are not following the rules or their fires are deemed hazardous for their neighbours.”
It is also important to note that if the person applying for the permit does not own the property, written permission must be provided by the landlord.