Throughout May, Barrie will offer residents the opportunity to obtain fire permits – now required for all outdoor fuel-burning appliances – on Saturdays throughout May, as well as during regular business hours.

Required by bylaw, the free-of-charge permits are available at Station 1, located at 65 Vespra St. They can be picked up Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., as well as on Saturdays.

“One of the main reasons for issuing these permits was to try to reduce the number of times that a fire apparatus is responding to complaints about outdoor solid-fuel burning appliances,” said fire chief John Lynn.

Passed last year, the bylaw requires a permit for these appliances, which are widely available in stores.

“The citizens of Barrie have shown their responsibility by complying with the requirements of the bylaw, which shows their regard for fire safety,” he added, describing public response as “overwhelming”.

So far this year, the city has issued 1,500 permits – which includes 500 issued on the past three Saturdays.

Not obtaining a permit, using an unapproved appliance or failing to ensure the appliance is used safely may result in a $315 fine.

The bylaw requires the appliance be designed to use solid fuel, be made entirely of non-combustible materials, be enclosed on all sides, have a chimney with a spark arrester and also have spark arresters on any other and all vents.

“We are obviously concerned with their safe operation. The citizens of Barrie should follow the manufacturer’s recommendations and provisions of the bylaw,” the chief added.