NLIS 2
November 4, 2005
(Environment and Conservation)
Public asked to keep
environment in mind on Guy Fawkes night
Tom Osborne, Minister of Environment
and Conservation, today asked the general public to keep safety and
the environment in mind when holding bonfires this weekend to
celebrate Guy Fawkes night.
�Holding bonfires on Guy Fawkes night is still a tradition in many
areas of our province and we are asking those participating in a
bonfire this year to ensure they clean up their area, especially our
beaches, when the festivities are over,� said Minister Osborne. �We
should always be mindful of the importance of our environment and do
our part to keep it clean at all times, including events like Guy
Fawkes night.�
Minister Osborne reminded the public that it is against the law to
openly burn items such as plastics, asphalt products, paint
products, used oil, garbage from your home, and treated wood. The
open burning of such materials is an offence under the Environmental
Protection Act.
�We also encourage the general public to check with their local
municipalities or fire departments regarding any burning regulations
for bonfire night,� added Minister Osborne. �I wish everyone a safe
and enjoyable bonfire night, and don�t forget to keep our
environment clean!�
Meanwhile, the Fire Commissioner�s Office offers the following tips
for bonfire night:
- �Permissible� fires should be
located on a gravel base, or in a container such as a barrel on
a gravel base.
- Fires should be located 8-10
metres from any woodlands or structures. Weather and wind
conditions must be considered in selecting a location.
- Flammable liquids should not be
used for starting or accelerating fires, and pressurized gas
cylinders such as a propane cylinder, should not be thrown on a
fire.
- Only adults should place or put
material on or in the fire.
- Persons should ensure that fire
control measures such as the availability of a garden hose or
containers of water are close.
- Property owners should take
measures to ensure sheds and other properties are secure.
Combustible materials should be secured.
- Once finished, the fire should
be fully extinguished, utilizing water or gravel material.
Media contact: Sonia Glover,
Communications, (709) 729-2575, 685-6612
2005 11 04
2:15 p.m. |