COMMUNITY BURN NOTICE

TERRITORY OF AKWESASNE – Due to many recent complaints regarding community members burning, the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne (MCA), Conservation Program is releasing the following information:

 The Wildlife Conservation Law, Section 64 protects the environment from any deleterious materials or substances that may be released into the land, water, or air. There are unacceptable substances that may not be burned.

 Some of the unacceptable items would include but are not limited to roofing shingles, plastics, tires, household garbage, any form of insulation, construction materials, any oil or petroleum products, and Styrofoam.

 Acceptable items for fires under controlled situations would be natural items such as grass, wood and brush.

FAQ

·      When is a good time and place for a fire?

o   If you are going to have a fire, make sure it is well away from any buildings or dwellings and ideally when there is little to no wind.

·      I thought MCA had a Fire/Burning By-Law?

o   There is a Garbage By-law No. 13, which was approved in 1973 and has a reference to burn barrels. 

o   An Akwesasne Fire Safety Law was written in 2001 and proposed to MCA and the community.  The proposed law was rejected and voted down by the community.

·      When will MCA get its own Burn Law?

o   Once the Akwesasne Legislative Committee is formed, community members will have the chance to go before them and request that another Fire Safety Law be drafted and proposed to Council.

Please be considerate of your neighbors and keep in mind there are many community members who suffer from breathing related issues. Smoke from nearby fires can cause serious medical problems for those who have asthma, allergies and other breathing conditions, such as COPD and who need oxygen to breathe. Smoke from nearby fires can have an adverse effect on these conditions and send people for medical treatment.

 For more information please contact the MCA Justice Department Conservation Program at 613-575-2250.  For emergencies contact Central Dispatch at 613-575-2000.

 Have a safe and enjoyable summer!