Discussions

I am thinking about purchasing a fire pit for my backyard this spring, and am looking at the City of Brandon requirements for an Outdoor Air Fire Permit. My question is geared towards those who already have a fire pit, and have received the permit some years ago. Since obtaining your permit, have you noticed your property assessment value rise? I ask as other City permits such as building on a deck, installing larger windows, etc. all result in an increase to a property assessment value. If this is the case, I may reconsider the purchase.

I saw no increase in Council Taxes. You obtain an application form from the Fire Hall. Someone has to come and inspect the fire pit just to make sure it is safe.

Not sure if you heard or not, city of brandon had a meeting a few weeks ago and are considering banning all wood burning fire pits. Reasoning is damaging for our environment and health.  
 
I am not sure about wood burning stoves or not.  
 
Not sure if i would waste money on one right now.  
 
Edited by Iceman69, 2022-02-01 07:08:54

I really hope this does not happen. I built a new pit last summer. With Covid it was the one thing I could do without fear of being restricted!

A fire pit is such good therapy for a lot of people. Sitting and watching a fire is very calming and great for serenity.

A fire pit is not going to raise your taxes, unless you're talking about a large interlocking brick, built in firepit/patio area. In that case it would be treated like a deck, assessment wise. Some patio blocks and a fire ring in the middle is not going to make a difference in your taxes.  
 
As an aside to the other person that mentioned the city will ban them altogether, do you have a source for that information or did you hear it from a friend of a friend? Please provide a link if you can.

A group made a presentation to City Council a few weeks ago and it is under consideration.

There are people in Brandon that are abusing their fire pit and burning things they shouldn't be on top of just using it as a fire pit.  
 
Watch the video:  
 
 
 
Edited by Iceman69, 2022-02-01 11:23:18

I would highly doubt that city council approves banning of fire pits in people’s backyards. Just because a select few don’t care for it doesn’t mean they will take it away from everyone else. Anyone can make presentations to city council. City council is required to listen to those presentations and make a decision. They ‘consider’ all proposals in front of them.  
 
Most people have pretty simple fire pits. Those won’t affect your taxes. It is possible if you have a fancier set up, like a built in or custom designed one, that your assessment could go up as a result.

There are rules to follow when applying for a fire pit. I looked it up and pasted below fyi:  
 
“No unattended fires.  
Fire exceeding the pit size.  
If the fire, in our judgment, creates a special hazard.  
Grass, rubbish, leaves, etc. cannot be burnt within City limits.  
Pits are for recreational fires only.  
Failure to obtain a permit.”  
 
So if someone doesn’t have a permit or does but is using the fire pit incorrectly, then call the fire department to let them know. They will go out and check and make the person extinguish the fire if not being used properly. It’s pretty simple really.

There is also a rule that windy days ( don't recall the wind gust) that fires are not allowed.  
And yes there are some that burn anything and damn that stinks

Only in reporting and people are fined or eventually have to remove fire pit will their behaviour.  
 
Banning it entirely is wrong.  
 
Banning makes many do it anyway and then you have unsafe conditions as no permit or fire inspector ok.  
 
A fire pit allows people to relax reduce stress. Especially during pandemic this at home activity is vital.  
 
As to environment and supporters of ban giving up their cars and walking everywhere as they can’t take taxis as that is same as using their car.  
 
Yes walking or biking is healthy. But this is Manitoba with its weather and long distances to get anywhere.  
 
As long as people use fire pit correctly with permit and inspection no ban is necessary.  
 
Start punishing the ones who don’t.

If you don’t call the fire department, how are they to know about the issue and do something about the complaint? Call the fire dept and they will address it.  
 
The police dept I find is different. I agree with you they don’t seem to do anything or want more information from you. It certainly deters people from making reports.  
 
Regardless, both departments keep the reporters information confidential. They wouldn’t ‘out’ who made the complaint.

This is for any behaviour.  
 
I didn’t say confront them. It is no longer a world where a friendly reminder is accepted.  
 
Phone fire department each and every time it happens. It comes under their mandate not police.  
 
Stand by and say nothing is condoning behaviour.