City Council set to rule on backyard fires in Saskatoon

After months of debate and delays, what to do with fire pits in Saskatoon may finally be answered.

During its meeting on Monday, city council is set to vote on a partial backyard fire ban — which would restrict open air fires in the city between 2 p.m. and 11 p.m.

The initial proposal was a 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. time limit but that was extended by Councillors back in March to strike a compromise with those with health issues and people who enjoy afternoon fires.

The city’s fire pit bylaw came under review last year after several passionate pleas from residents and the Lung Association of Saskatchewan, who said the smoke from wood fires had significant health impacts, especially those in vulnerable states.

Supporters of backyard fires say the number of complaints doesn’t warrant the need for a partial fire pit curfew.

An online petition has since garnered over 10,000 signatures.