Updated Sussex Fire Prevention By-Law Enacted

Click Here to View By-Law #350-26

Sussex has enacted an updated Fire Prevention By-Law to strengthen community safety, provide clearer regulations for residents, and better reflect the modern services provided by the Sussex Fire Department.

The updated by-law replaces the previous Fire Prevention By-Law #350-12 and introduces several changes related to fireworks, outdoor burning, fire pits, and fire department operations. These updates help ensure local regulations continue to meet today’s fire safety needs while providing residents with clearer guidelines.

Residents are encouraged to review the full by-law to understand all requirements. The following highlights some of the key changes.

Consumer Fireworks Are No Longer Permitted

One of the major updates included in the new by-law is the addition of regulations surrounding consumer fireworks.

Consumer fireworks are now prohibited within Sussex boundaries. This means residents are no longer permitted to set off consumer fireworks within the community. and on private property.

Professional display fireworks may still be permitted but they do require an application and approval process. Requirements include licensed operator supervision, proof of liability insurance, and appropriate safety and emergency plans.

The Fire Chief also has authority to restrict, suspend, or prohibit fireworks when conditions create increased concerns, such as fire risk, weather conditions, public safety considerations, or operational limitations.

Stronger Outdoor Burning Rules

Residents are responsible for checking the New Brunswick Forest Fire Watch before lighting any permitted outdoor fire and must follow provincial burning restrictions. Daily updates are provided on the GNB Fire watch site: https://www.gnb.ca/en/emergency/fire-watch.html#2

The update also clearly identifies materials that cannot be burned, including items such as garbage, plastics, rubber, treated wood, petroleum products, commercial waste, and hazardous materials.

These changes help reduce fire risks, protect neighbouring properties, and support a safer community environment.

Updated Fire Pit and Outdoor Fireplace Requirements

Fire pits and outdoor fireplaces remain permitted in Sussex; however, the updated by-law provides more detailed safety requirements.

Residents using outdoor fireplaces must ensure they meet the requirements outlined in the by-law, including:

• proper distance from buildings and combustible materials;
• placement on a non-combustible surface;
• use of an approved spark screen;
• having a way to extinguish the fire nearby, such as a hose, extinguisher, or water source;
• supervision until the fire is completely extinguished.

Residents are also reminded that smoke, sparks, or embers must not create unreasonable impacts for neighbouring properties.

Recognizing the Modern Role of Sussex Fire Department

Updates also include better reflects the wide range of services provided by the Sussex Fire Department.

In addition to responding to fires, the department provides many important services, including:

• motor vehicle collision response;
• rescue operations;
• fire inspections;
• fire prevention and education;
• community safety initiatives;
• mutual aid and emergency response support.

This change recognizes the expanded role firefighters play in protecting and supporting the community.