Did you know it is currently illegal under local-law for those who live within the Kingston Council to use a fire pit on your own property, for personal warmth?

Most residents are unaware of this - until they receive the Council issued fine - for breaking this local law. I didn't until I received a letter in the mail from the Council pointing out this very specific ban, after a neighbour complained from someone in the street enjoying their own fire pit, in their own backyard.

Basically, a fire pit - which you would be using in your own outdoor area of your residence as an outdoor heater for personal warmth - is considered the same as any "burning-off" open flame, so is banned unless you obtain (apply and pay for) a one-off permit.

That means - the fire pit you have purchased to keep you warm this winter when you sit outside - is illegal and will earn you a fine.

That also means, if you want to have an outdoor heater, you must purchase an electric or gas run unit - which means more money for you to buy and run, and more landfill for the environment when its purpose for you comes to an end.

That means: sitting outside in your yard with a fire pit to keep you warm is banned, a fire pit for you and your children to toast marshmallows is banned, if in the future you have a gathering and want to use your fire pit to keep guests warm... this is banned too.

If you - like us - find this to be absurd, and you would like to use your (safe and appropriately maintained) fire pit legally, please sign and share this petition, so we can have the local law of a "ban on fire pits for personal warmth" changed... and fast!

We are all lock downed at home this Melbourne winter - we should at least be able to enjoy it in this small way!