Clearing the decks
Charlottetown deputy fire chief says progress being made in getting propane and charcoal barbecues off apartment balconies
The deputy chief of the Charlottetown Fire Department said Tuesday they are making tremendous progress in getting barbecues off of apartment outdoor decks.
Tim Mayme said the department and the provincial fire marshal have really stepped up efforts to send notices to apartment building owners, reminding them of fire regulations. The Fire Prevention Act states propane and charcoal barbecues aren’t allowed on apartment balconies with an overhang and should be at least 10 feet from the building.
While the rules have been in place for years, it has usually taken a complaint before things are enforced.
Things have changed since a fire destroyed an apartment building on Harley Street in July.
“We currently have two fire inspectors working on the project which is identifying all of the apartment building owners (and residents) and issuing them compliance orders stating what is required of a patioed barbecue,’’ Mayme told The Guardian following the monthly meeting of city council’s protective and emergency services committee meeting.
There are exceptions in terms of what people are allowed to have.
Mayme suggests people Google built-in propane or built-in electrical appliances. These appliances are also often referred to as outdoor kitchens, although the deputy fire chief doesn’t believe any exist in the capital city.
They do have to meet national electric code or provincial propane code regulations, depending on the appliance.
“If people do find something and they have a question before they make a purchase we suggest they reach out to us if they’re in Charlottetown; provincially they reach out to the fire marshal’s office.’’
In the meantime, residents living in apartments are being compliant.
“I know many people have been proactively removing barbecues from their decks and propane storage from their decks, which is a great sign, obviously.’’