To the Editor:
We are concerned that the City of Thompson has introduced a new bylaw allowing residents to have open-air wood fires in their back yards.
We oppose this bylaw because wood smoke is not good for anyone's health, and is particularly harmful to infants and young children whose lungs are still developing. It is also harmful to people with asthma, or other breathing problems, or heart disease. As well, elderly people can have health problems because of breathing in wood smoke.
Wood smoke contains small particles of harmful chemicals that cause itchy eyes sore throats and can find their way deep into our lungs. While we may enjoy an evening by the fire today will we be so happy when we face its serious effects tomorrow?
We also oppose this bylaw because it could create fire hazard in Thompson where we have many bush and tree line areas. And, of course, our community is surrounded by forest!
Fire chief Ian Thompson opposes this bylaw, as does Local 2200 of the International Association of Fire Fighters, which represents the full-time firefighters in Thompson. They are the ones we look to for expertise and protection from the dangers fires present. Should we not be listening to their warnings?
Wood smoke creates pollution. It is difficult to escape the smoke if your neighbours are burning wood fires. If you don't like the smell of the smoke drifting from your neighbours' yards into your yard, you might be forced to spend your summer indoors. What a thought! And then again, the smoke may invade your house, then what?
In its recent strategic plan, city council has stated its commitment to a healthy community yet, only days after, it is willing to disregard the actions of previous Thompson mayors and councillors who, for more than 20 years, have discouraged outdoor backyard fires.
When other cities in Canada are reviewing their position on outdoor wood fires and thinking of banning them; when society is focusing much of its attention to healthier living and to protecting the environment, we encourage our leaders to look out for the good of the many rather than the interests of the few.
If you share our concerns please give us a call in the evening at 778 6535 or 677 5136.
Paul Therrien
Margaret Allan
Thompson
