New burning regulations now in effect for Langford will drastically change how residents rid themselves of fallen leaves and branches this autumn.
The old rules allowed residents to burn on their lots the first Friday and Saturday of the month, from October to May. Starting this season, in a bid to reduce harmful air pollution for the entire municipality, new bylaws have been put into effect that restrict burning to two month-long periods, Nov. 1 to 30 and Feb. 15 to March 15. Anyone wanting to burn during those times also has to apply for a permit through the Langford Fire Department.
B次元官网网址淭his has really been driven by the citizens,B次元官网网址� said assistant chief Chris Aubrey. B次元官网网址淲eB次元官网网址檝e had numerous feedback over the years about air quality and smoke. Every day we had a burn day, weB次元官网网址檇 get concerned citizens calling in saying, B次元官网网址榤y kidB次元官网网址檚 got asthma,B次元官网网址� or asking why there was so much smoke.B次元官网网址�
One of the most significant changes is that burning permits will only be issued to residents with a lot size of a half acre or greater.
B次元官网网址淚f you think about the CRD smoking regulations, you have to be 30 feet from public doorways and windows, because people were being affected by second-hand smoke,B次元官网网址� Aubrey said. B次元官网网址淭his is the same sort of thing. If you only have a few feet between you and your neighbour, the smoke blows directly into their yard.B次元官网网址�
A limit of 20 burn permits per day will be issued, with approval on a first-come, first-served basis. Households are limited to two permits per burning period.
In spreading outdoor burning over a longer period, the hope is to mitigate the heavy clouds of smoke that have traditionally hung over Langford and caused health concerns, Aubrey said.
Another major change, he added, is a ban on burning in what are considered B次元官网网址渇ire hazard areasB次元官网网址� B次元官网网址� heavily forested or remote areas where the B次元官网网址減otential of a fire getting out of hand is too much of a risk to residents.B次元官网网址� Residents can find a map outlining banned areas on the City of Langford website.
B次元官网网址淲e recognize most communities around us have banned (outdoor) burning altogether,B次元官网网址� Aubrey said. He encouraged residents to think about the B次元官网网址淭hree CsB次元官网网址� if burning is not an option: chipping, composting or commercial disposal.
For more information on the new regulations, visit .
acowan@goldstreamgazette.com
