Nelson's fire chief has approved a three-week burn period beginning Saturday to reduce the wildfire risk around homes.
Len MacCharles said the intent is to minimize the fire risk posed by ground fuels, especially given the last year's dry summer and the windstorm that ripped through the city at the end of June.
“There are a lot of branches and woody debris on the ground in Nelson from last year and this is about being fire smart and now is the time of year to make the difference for the coming summer and fall which forecasters are suggesting may be very similar to last year’s hot and dry season,” MacCharles said in a news release.
However, rather than burning he suggested the best way to rid your property of these fuels is to take them to the Grohman Narrows transfer station, which charges $5 per load for loads of up to 2.5 cubic meters, $50 for large loads, and $25 per tonne if chipped.
The burn period is subject to weather and local fire conditions and runs from March 26 to April 17, inclusive. It is to reduce non-compostable woody debris which is clean, dry, unstained, untreated wood resulting from land cleaning. It doesn't include the burying of yard waste or things such as leaves, grass clippings, or vegetable stalks.
Permits are required and can be obtained in person from the fire hall for $10 with proof of fire insurance. Residents are required to follow the Ministry of Environment's venting index and only burn on days when venting is listed as good.