Photo by Emily Chatwood / MBC News
Greater Napanee council has approved plans to prohibit campfires, cooking fires and other open-air burning in municipal parks and public spaces.
The decision follows growing concerns about unattended fires at encampments and the strain they are placing on local fire services.
Fire Chief Shawn Armstrong said the town has seen a sharp increase in fire-related calls connected to encampments.
He said the repeated responses are taking a toll on firefighters and creating risks for people living in encampments, nearby residents and municipal property.
Council members supported creating one clear rule for everyone using municipal property. The proposed changes will apply to people staying in encampments as well as other park users.
Councillor Bill Martin said he has personally seen uncontrolled fires in the parks.
Staff will now prepare amendments to the town’s parks bylaw and encampment response protocol before the new rules take effect.
Written by Emily Chatwood
