Regina may ban flying paper lanterns with fire bylaw update

The city of Regina is working on a number of updates to its fire bylaw, including how often landlords have to check smoke alarms in rental properties and a possible ban on paper lanterns in city limits. 

The recommended changes to the bylaw will be discussed at the city's executive committee meeting today. They will need approval from city council on Aug. 29 before they could go into effect. 

Flying paper lanterns

The city is suggesting the fire bylaw be updated to include a ban on launching flying paper lanterns within Regina. 

A candle is lit inside the inverted paper bags, causing them to float through the air as far as three kilometres, according to the city.

It said the paper lanterns, which look like hot air balloons, have been linked to fires, as the candle sometimes stays lit when the lanterns land.

A number of other locations across the country have either looked into a paper lantern ban or currently have one in place, including Windsor, Ont., Saskatoon and the entire province of Nova Scotia. 

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Rental property smoke alarms

City officials are also recommending that the bylaw require smoke alarms in rental properties to be tested every month.

The tests may be carried out by the property owner or an authorized agent. Under the current recommendations, a tenant may be authorized to conduct the tests. 

The city said this measure would bring the fire bylaw into conformance with standards referenced in the National Fire Code. 

As well as the monthly tests, the property owner must inspect and test smoke alarms every six months to make sure they are in good working order. 

The city said many fire deaths happen in rental properties. It said between 2005 and 2016, ten out of 12 fire fatalities in the Regina were in rentals.  

False alarm fines

False alarms, in which fire crews are dispatched only to find out there is no emergency or fire, are a big resource drain, according to the city. 

The new bylaw would allow for fines to be issued to repeat false fire alarm offenders. 

Proof of qualifications for private technicians

Under the proposed bylaw changes, anyone inspecting, testing or maintaining a fire safety system would need to provide Regina Fire Services with proof of their qualifications in order to get a work permit. 

Fire safety equipment includes portable fire extinguishers, commercial cooking equipment, sprinkler systems and fire alarm systems. 

The city said there have been issues with private technicians not following regulated industry standards when doing maintenance work. 

All recommendations are subject to change and must first be discussed by executive committee before final decisions are made. 

The committee will meet at city hall Wednesday at 11:45 a.m. CST.