The Grimsby Fire Department is reminding local residents that open-air burning is not permitted in the Town of Grimsby. Open-air burning is not permitted in the Fire Code unless approved by the local fire department. Local fire departments have the right to extinguish any open-air fire that has not been approved and that does not meet required burning conditions.

"There is no open-air burning permitted in Grimsby," says Vince Giovannini, fire prevention inspector for the Grimsby Fire Department. "We go strictly by the Fire Code, which prohibits it."

No permits, he said, are issued. The only exception, he said, is when established agricultural operations are permitted to burn diseased trees or crops, but only with authorization from the fire department.

"We are very strict about it being only to get rid of diseased crops," Mr. Giovannini said.

For homeowners who have branches and twigs to be disposed with, Mr. Giovannini says they can be put at the curb and collected during waste collection through the Region. They can also be dropped off, free of charge, at the Niagara Road 12 Landfill in West Lincoln.

As for the myth you are able to roast some marshmallows or hot dogs over a fire, Mr. Giovannini says it is not true. Even chimeneas or other free-standing fireplace devices sold at hardware stores are not to be used.

For questions about burning in Grimsby call the Grimsby Fire Department at 905-945-2113.