Have a happy and fire-safe long weekend

Whether you’re firing up the grill for the first time this season or planning celebrations with family and friends, St. Catharines Fire Services is urging everyone to be safe over the May long weekend.

The City of St. Catharines' Open Air Fires By-law prohibits bon fires, chimeneas, firepits, small fire bowls, basic fireplaces or masonry fireplaces outdoors to ensure the safety and well-being of all residents. The by-law also prohibits fires used for burning yard waste but does permit cooking fires not located in a barbecue or smoker under certain regulations and conditions. Learn more at stcatharines.ca/backyardfires.

Residents can report open air burning and other non-emergency fire-related concerns online at stcatharines.ca/reportanissue. Call 911 for emergencies such as structure fires, visible smoke and other situations creating an immediate safety risk.

Barbecue Safety

The City’s Open Air Burning By-law permits cooking fires in barbecues or smokers between 8 a.m. and 1 a.m. If you’re planning on firing up the grill take a few minutes to make sure it's ready to go: keep it away from to vinyl siding, wooden walls or combustible material; clean it up, including burner ports, so it’s free of rust and debris; check it over, including hoses and connections to ensure there no cracks or damaged parts.

Visit stcatharines.ca/bbqsafety for more safety tips and operating regulations and requirements.

Fireworks Safety

Fireworks are only permitted on certain days under the City's Fireworks By-law, such as Victoria Day, the day before and the day after. If you're planning to use them, please do so safely and with your neighbours and pets in mind.

Help keep the community safe by report any unsafe or inappropriate fireworks use or vendors selling fireworks without City Consumer Fireworks Sales Permit to St. Catharines Fire Services at 905.684.4311.

Learn more about the safe use of fireworks at stcatharines.ca/fireworks.