Fires at the Beaver River trestle have been a cause of concern for the Alberta Iron Horse Trail Association.
About a month ago, a small fire at the trestle was caused by what the Bonnyville Regional Fire Authority (BRFA) believe was an improperly disposed cigarette. That fire was enough to start a movement amongst the association.
In an attempt to deter people from starting open fires by the trestles along the Iron Horse Trail, the association put in a request that the MD of Bonnyville adjust their fire services bylaw.
“In the past we have just simply said that there are no fires permitted along the Iron Horse Trail, but it was never put in as a bylaw,” explained Marianne Janke, administrative coordinator for the Alberta Iron Horse Trail Association.
Over the years, the association has seen an increase in the number of people starting fires along the river, which is located fairly close to the Beaver River trestle. They've also seen a spike in the number of vehicles using the trail, which is also not permitted.
In June 2012, a fire destroyed a portion of the Beaver River Trestle. Repairing the trail cost over $1.6 million.
Since then, the problem has continued. By attaching a fine to anyone caught with an open fire within 100-metres of a trestle along the trail is the association's effort to address the issue.
“The worst-case scenario is the trestle burns down and we don't replace it,” Janke said. “If the whole trestle burns, that's it. That connection from Cold Lake to the rest of the Iron Horse Trail is lost.”
On Wednesday, July 26, MD of Bonnyville council agreed to amend the bylaw after a presentation made by BRFA chief Brian McEvoy.
“It (the bylaw) stipulates now that no person shall set, permit, maintain, or operate an open fire or burning barrel at any time of the year within 100-metres of a trestle or bridge structure located on Alberta's Iron Horse Trail,” he noted.
Anyone caught with an open fire will be asked to extinguish it immediately, and could be handed a fine from RCMP, peace officers, or the fire department. If the person refuses to put out the fire, the fire department will do it and charge them for any costs.
“An open fire is any fire other than a fire that is contained within a fire pit, portable fire receptacle, or public parks site fire,” explained McEvoy.
Their reason for being so specific was not to deter any future growth in the area.
Janke said that the association is hoping to make some additions to the trestle, possibly with a small picnic area that could feature fire pits.
Council passed first reading of the amended bylaw.
