Bylaw Review: Fire Bylaw

Major Changes are indicated with 5 asterisks *****

▪ Definitions section: The table below illustrates what has been deleted from the old bylaw and what is contemplated to be additional definitions.

▪ Establishment and Purpose of Parkland County Fire Services:  This is a new Section that articulates the purpose and main role of having Fire Services within the County. 

▪ Authority and Responsibility of the Fire Chief:  This section has been expanded to clarify the Fire Chief’s role and the ability to delegate that role when it comes to additional powers in an emergency situation.

▪ Authority and Responsibility of the Officer in Charge: This section has been expanded to allow for flexibility and delegation within the Officer in Charge role.

▪  Appointments and Powers of Fire Guardians: This section has been expanded to reflect the authority of Fire Guardians which is in line with provincial regulations. The power to appoint Fire Guardians has been delegated from Council to the Fire Chief

▪  Permitted and Prohibited Fires:  This section combines current bylaw language from previous bylaw sections “Exemptions and Offenses”

▪  *****Fire Permit Types and Eligible Timeframes:  This section articulates two types of permits and the timelines when holding either or both of these permits.  90 day permits for recreational Fire Pit’s without an approved screen are no longer included.

▪ Fire Hazard Level:  Provides the Fire Chief with discretion to rate a fire hazard and keep that rating in place until the environment changes and risk has subsided.

▪ Fireworks Permit:  Streamlined language on application process

▪  *****Fireworks Vendor Permit and Responsibility: The updated Bylaw contemplates the creation of a Vendor Permit.  A retail vendor wishing to sell fireworks to persons in Parkland County shall obtain an annual Fireworks Vendor permit from Fire Services.

▪ *****Fireworks and Discharge:  No Fireworks will be used or discharged within Parkland County in Restricted Burn areas having a lot size less than four (4.0) hectares and;

▪ Labour Day has been removed from the Bylaw due to the higher wildfire risk at this time of year. 

▪ Burning in Industrial Areas:  Burning must be done in an Incinerator compliant with legislation.

▪ Fire Safety Plans: Required for all outdoor venues and events where the Fire Chief or designate see a reasonable risk to public safety.

▪ Fire and Dangerous Goods Incident Reporting Requirements:  Ensures that all spills and releases (residentially and commercially) are reported locally and to required provincial departments.  This keeps the Local Fire services aware of any hazards.

▪ Service Fees and Charges:  The list has been expanded.  Provides flexibility if new fees are required in the future.

▪ Fire Department Building Access and Lock Boxes:  The Commercial lock box program is being transitioned out of the provincial legislation.  Parkland County will maintain the program locally through the updated Bylaw.

▪ ***Any reference to the use of Coal, Coal Fired appliances, EPA Standards, CSA Standards, Solid Fuel appliances and Solid Fuel have been deleted from the updated bylaw as these are regulated by Provincial legislation.

▪  ***All schedules relating to fees and penalties have been deleted from the updated Bylaw.  A new stand-alone Fees and Charges Bylaw will contain all the County’s fees and charges.

Summary of Changes - Click to View Table

Have your say!

Public Engagement for this project is now closed. Check back for an update on what we heard from the public at the various sessions and next steps.