Fire prevention is an important part of the work we do for the region. From public fire safety education to inspection duties, code enforcement and reviewing plans, we want to increase fire safety in our community.
Residents are encouraged to regularly check the Provincial Fire Hazard Map provided by the Department of Fisheries, Forestry, and Agriculture and to follow the associated guidelines to practice fire safety.
Before lighting a backyard fire or using a Permit to Burn issued by the SJRFD, it’s important to understand what the current fire risk level means for St. John’s, Mount Pearl, and Paradise:
Please be fire safe when using outdoor wood burning and propane burning appliances - keep a hose or fire extinguisher handy and follow manufacturers requirements regarding clearances from combustible materials. Also, we would like to remind citizens that, if you smoke, do not throw your lit cigarette butt on the ground or out of a vehicle window.
The SJRFD will share information from Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture on the Fire Hazard Rating on our Facebook page. Residents can also follow Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture NL on social media for up-to-date fire hazard ratings.
For more information contact, officeofthefirechief@stjohns.ca.
According to the City’s Open Air Fire Regulations By-Law, an Outdoor Wood Burning Appliance must:
Usage Rules:
An Open Air Fire includes:
A Permit is Required for any Open Air Fire. To request a permit, email fireprevention@stjohns.ca or call 709-576-3905.
The Fire Prevention division schedules building inspections to ensure life safety code compliance. We visit all types of buildings - from churches to garages, night clubs, grocery stores, places of public assembly and industrial complexes. The occupancy is inspected for potential safety issues, or to seek ways to improve safety. We work with owners and staff to ensure there is a clear understanding of the need for fire safety.
We often get inquiries from concerned citizens on fire safety in properties. Sometimes, our Fire Officers or City staff discover a problem, for example when a “draft hydrant” is checked by a fire crew and an Inspector. Other reactive inspections include requests for home oxygen systems, burning permits, outdoor event applications and public assembly capacity calculations. These requests are assessed, assigned a priority standing and delegated to our staff.
Our fire fighters are committed to informing the public about fire safety. We educate the public about how to stay safe in the home or workplace, how to write or improve escape plans, and how to reduce the risk of fire and threat to safety.
Learn Not to Burn is an internationally recognized program for primary and elementary school students and is a part of their curriculum. Our Hazard House gets positive feedback from students, parents and teachers. We educate students on safety in the home, then ask them to develop a Fire Safety Plan for their own home and return it to school. Students who complete and submit the plan receive a certificate of participation and participant card.
We also have education programs about:
Fire Prevention Week occurs annually during the first week of October. It is one of the longest running public health and safety events in the country. In recognition of Fire Prevention Week, SJRFD has many events taking place throughout the region. We invite kids and adults of all ages to come and enjoy the festivities and learn all about fire safety.
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