Bonfire Night less popular, people more cautious: fire chief CORNER BROOK CLIFF WELLS The Western Star

Fire Chief Neville Wheaton says having a list of the fires on Bonfire Night is important so the fire department would know where to respond if trouble should happen. — Star photo by Geraldine Brophy

Neville Wheaton said requiring a permit for bonfires isn’t quite the same as trying to stamp them out.

The city’s fire chief said although the permits are required, they don’t cost anything and are available at any time at the fire station.

“If there was a push to eliminate the bonfire tradition, there would be a total burning ban on,” Wheaton said. “It’s a permitted event.”

He knows Guy Fawkes Night, also known as Bonfire Night is still a popular tradition in Newfoundland, although its popularity seems to be fading.
That’s not because of any special effort on behalf of the fire department, though.

In the last five to eight years, he said the numbers of fires are down.

“We have responded to a couple of calls during Bonfire Night and they’ve been mostly people who are concerned,” Wheaton said. “We talk to the people who have the fires and they’ve adjusted the fire, put less stuff on it and that type of thing.
“It has been pretty good actually. People are generally aware of the dangers this can pose and they’re taking precautions.”

Wheaton said the fire department would like to be able to check out the sites for suitability before Thursday, but having a complete list of the fires is important so they know where they’re going if trouble should happen. Any time they can save could make a big difference.

There are a few safety tips he’d like homeowners to keep in mind while building a bonfire. The biggest is keep the blaze manageable and within reach of a garden hose.
Only normal combustibles are allowed to be burned. Petroleum-based products, such as tires, vinyl siding and plastic are not to be put in regular bonfires.
Trees, wood and similar items are acceptable materials.

“The ones we have now cause us little or no concern,” he said. “People are taking care.
“We’ve been doing the permitting long enough for most people to understand why it’s there. It’s more peace of mind for us and them in the long run.”