A favorite summer pastime is having a bonfire in the backyard.

However, not all fire pits are created equal.

Here’s Thompson Fire Chief Steve Molloy with what is and isn’t allowed.

"Honor our bi-law right now, the only acceptable burning appliances is anything that’s CFA approved so you can purchase your burning appliance through many of our local stores. Anything that would not be allowed, for example, would be taking the drum out of your washer or reusing an old 45 gallon metal drum.”

Molloy advises Thompson residents to apply for a burning permit online or by dropping by City Hall.

Failure to obtain a permit will result in a fine around $361 and the first offence for burning without a permit is $180.

For the guidelines on permits, fire pit inspections and more, catch Thompson Today this afternoon at 12:40 and 5:10.