Fire pits get the nod from Council: law to be changed

Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner has listened to lovers of fire pits and backyard braziers and will change local laws banning them.

Ella, 9, and James, 6, enjoying marshmallows around their fire pit. The Lord Mayor will legalise them. Picture Rebecca Michael

Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner will continue an amnesty on fire pits until local laws can be changed to allow them.

Cr Schrinner said the enormous support shown by residents in a Council survey, and through petitions and emails, persuaded him to make the decision.

As of today (September 8), Council will continue allowing the safe use of backyard braziers and above-ground fire pits until local laws are changed.

“Residents have been truly keen to keep backyard fire pits burning. Around 96 per cent of social media interactions and emails, as well as three petitions, were all in support of the continued use of backyard fire pits,” Cr Schrinner said.

“People power initiated the three-month winter trial, during which fire pits were much loved by the community for backyard gatherings and a way to create a more authentic backyard camping experience.

“Throughout the trial, residents assured us they could use their fire pits safely, and I am pleased to report residents largely did the right thing, with no warnings or fines issued.

“As a result of the trial’s success and a solid effort by the community to voice their support for the trial, we are now working to amend the Health, Safety and Amenity Local Law to formally make the change permanent.

“But, as of now, backyard fire pit use can continue.’’

More than 7500 people responded to the Council survey, which closed on August 31.

The survey came after public anger at people being fined during lockdown for using backyard firepits.

A Kedron man began a petition in May to have Council rethink its rules on fire pits, which put most people at risk of a $266 fine.

Darren Mitchell’s petition attracted almost 1000 signatures overnight in May after he discovered backyard fires were prohibited unless residents had a permit or met specific guidelines.

Harry, 13, Kirsty, and Tilly George, 9, were cooking marshmallows over a fire pit while camping in their backyard when council told them it was illegal. Picture: AAP/Josh Woning

In April, an Oxley mum and her children were forced to extinguish their fire pits while they were cooking marshmallows at their home.

But asthma suffers are concerned reversing the ban could put their health at risk.

Environment, Parks and Sustainability Chair, Fiona Cunningham, said strict guidelines for backyard fire pit use still remained.

“I want all residents to continue the awesome job they are doing of using their backyard braziers and fire pits safely and to not get complacent,” Cr Cunningham said.

“This means minimising smoke impacts on neighbours by using clean, dry wood, gas, ethanol or charcoal fuel, fully extinguishing fire with water and ensuring kids are supervised around fire.

“As we approach storm and bushfire season, I urge residents to keep up to date with any fire bans and not light any fires if bans are in place.

“Fire pits and braziers should not be used on balconies of apartment buildings or in small spaces where smoke may cause a nuisance to neighbours, like small blocks and courtyards.”

Further guidance on dealing with safety risks and smoke can be found at: www.brisbane.qld.gov.au