No fees, and no inspections. That's what the Township of Norwich is looking at when it comes to new rules for burning permits. Fire Chief Bob Parsons presented the proposal to council earlier this month, and tells Heart FM, "Council continues to want to make the burn permits available at no cost to the permit holder. So we also want to make the system efficient so there's not much cost issuing a permit as well." Parsons doesn't believe volunteer firefighters need to inspect burning areas, as he says the conditions of the permit are clearly laid out. "Smoke, which seems to be the greater issue for bothering neighbours or causing a traffic hazard. The new permit process, the smoke is to stay on the property, away from neighbouring properties, away from the roadways, and of course the fire has to be a certain distance from combustible buildings." He says if there are complaints, there will be an inspection, and fines will be laid if there are infractions. The new system, if approved, would save the township an estimated $7000-$8000 a year. The township is also making the permit applications as widely available as possible, including at the township office, you can request one by fax, or download the form off the township's website. There are separate permits for rural residents, who are burning brush and materials, and one for those who are having campfires in the township's settlements.

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