HAY RIVER - Not often a place for philosophical discussions, Hay River town council was recently the scene of a debate over individual responsibility versus government control.

The issue which prompted the deep discussion at the Jan. 10 meeting was backyard fire pits.

Controversial changes to rules for fire pits are included in proposed amendments to the town's Fire Prevention Bylaw.

That includes proposals that fires must be supervised at all times by "a competent adult," pits would be no more than one metre in width, a metal mesh would be required to contain sparks, and more.

"I do believe common sense has got to prevail here," said Coun. Bernie Langille. "I can't imagine sitting in my yard playing my guitar around the fire and being approached by an officer of the law with a tape measure measuring my fire pit and scolding me in front of my child as I'm cooking a hotdog. It's ridiculous."

Langille said there should be no restrictions on fire pits.

Other councillors had concerns with the amendments, but were not ready to toss them all out.

"While I understand the intent, I guess I have trouble seeing where this is coming from," said Coun. Ken Latour. "Has there been a rash of fires or a risk to people in the community from having their fire pits as they are?"

Latour said his family has had a fire pit for 40 years without incident.

"It violates most of these (amendments), including that it needs to be under supervision by an adult at all times," he said.

Latour said he realizes the town's fire chief wants some codes to protect people.

"But I think what's happening with laws like this or bylaws is we're starting to kind of eat away at what makes this town the town it is," he said.

His main objections are to stipulations on the size of fire pits and the requirement for a mesh.

However, he said he doesn't want to scrap the amendments.

"I think there are some good things in here. For example, there is a stipulation here against incinerators," he said.

Coun. Kevin Wallington said he has been told by many residents that council is "over legislating" things with the bylaw amendments.

"In some situations, I think that you'd like to think that common sense would prevail," he said. "It doesn't necessarily.

Wallington said the amendment that fire pits would not be permitted within one metre of a gas line seems like commonsense, but a bylaw would offer some protection against those without common sense.

"I don't think we should completely get rid of it," he said, adding there have already been concessions to public concerns.

For example, a previous proposal that fires would have to out by 11 p.m. was dropped.

Coun. Reiss Kruger said bylaws need to be in place for people lacking common sense.

"As the adage goes, common sense is not that common," Kruger said.

The councillors agreed to move the amendments forward for more discussion at the next regular meeting of council on Jan. 24.

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