Department of Protective Services

If your property is zoned Residential then you will need a proper wood burning appliance. Outdoor recreational fires must be contained within an approved fire pit or approved outdoor burning appliance, unless otherwise permitted under the Town’s Fire By-law and provincial regulations. Open ground fires are not permitted for recreational burning within residential areas.

Certain subdivisions and densely populated residential areas may have additional restrictions or may prohibit open-air burning entirely.

Some subdivisions within the former LSD (Local Service District) areas have different requirements due to zoning, lot size, population density, proximity to neighbouring homes, and fire safety concerns.

Examples include areas such as:
• Spring Garden
• Riverbend
• Other similarly developed residential subdivisions

These additional restrictions help ensure fire safety in more densely populated neighbourhoods and prevent a one-size-fits-all approach across the municipality.

Residents are encouraged to contact the Town if they are unsure whether their property permits outdoor burning

An outdoor wood burning appliance is a non-combustible enclosed container designed to hold a small fire for decorative purposes. The appliance must not exceed one meter in any direction.

Following municipal amalgamation, Salisbury inherited a variety of neighbourhood types, lot sizes, development densities, and historical servicing standards.

Different requirements help ensure:
• Appropriate fire safety standards
• Reduced wildfire risk
• Consideration for densely populated subdivisions
• Fair and practical regulations based on zoning and community layout

This approach allows the Town to tailor fire safety regulations to specific neighbourhood conditions rather than applying identical rules everywhere.

Non-emergency concerns related to fire by-law compliance, repeated issues, unsafe fire pit installations, or general questions should be directed to the Town’s Protective Services during regular business hours.

Examples include:
• Concerns about permanent fire pit locations
• Repeated nuisance complaints
• Questions about permitted burning
• Requests for clarification on the by-law

If there is an active fire or immediate safety concern, always call 911.

Residents should contact the Town of Salisbury or Salisbury Fire Rescue to confirm whether a permit is required for their specific type of fire or event. Larger fires and public events may require approvals.

No. Only clean, dry, untreated wood should be burned. Burning garbage, plastics, rubber, treated wood, or hazardous materials is prohibited and may result in fines.

You cannot burn:
• Garbage
• Construction materials
• Pressure-treated wood
• Painted or stained wood
• Plastics or rubber
• Household waste
• Leaves or yard waste
• Any material that creates excessive smoke or toxic fumes

Burning prohibited materials may violate both municipal by-laws and provincial environmental regulations.

Yes. The by-law definition for outdoor wood burning appliances does not include propane or natural gas appliances. However, appliances must still be used safely and according to manufacturer instructions.

Yes. During wildfire season, residents must check New Brunswick burning restrictions before using any outdoor fire. Restrictions are updated daily by the Province of New Brunswick.

Residents can check daily burn restrictions online through NB Forest Fire Watch or by calling 1-866-458-8080. Burn restrictions are updated everyday at 2pm and will be in effect for 24hrs.

Yes. If a fire is unsafe, causes a nuisance, creates excessive smoke, or violates the by-law or provincial restrictions, residents may be ordered to extinguish the fire immediately.

Always keep fires attended, keep a hose or extinguisher nearby, burn only in safe weather conditions, and ensure the fire is fully extinguished before leaving the area.

Public fireworks displays may require a permit under the Fire Prevention By-Law. Residents should contact the Town before using fireworks.

Violations may result in enforcement action, fines, cost recovery for fire department response, or other penalties permitted under municipal or provincial legislation.

Fire-related complaints involving active burning require immediate response and assessment by the Fire Department.

The Town cannot directly dispatch firefighters. All active fire complaints — including:
• Fires during a burn ban
• Excessive smoke
• Unsafe burning
• Fires too close to structures
• Burning prohibited materials

must be reported through 911 so Salisbury Fire Rescue can be properly dispatched and respond safely.

• Brad Doucette: Coordinator of Protective Services: (506)377-1107
• NB Forest Fire Watch: www.gnb.ca/firewatch
• Provincial Burning Information Line: 1-866-458-8080