The province said Bill 21 was the first step to eliminate barriers for municipalities to deal with derelict buildings. Details of the voluntary project will be developed in consultation with stakeholders across the province including volunteer firefighters. (ID 78900881 © Prathan Keawkhum | Dreamstime.com)

By Teena Monteleone

Bill 21

Sask firefighters, NDP concerned about burn building legislation

May 14, 2025 | 6:52 PM

Some firefighters and the NDP are sounding the alarms about a recent bill to create a pilot project that uses the burning of derelict buildings as a training opportunity for firefighters.

The bill passed third reading Tuesday and is just waiting on royal assent, but there are concerns about a lack of consultation by the government on Bill 21 – an amendment to the Construction Codes Act.

Saskatchewan NDP Municipal Affairs Shadow Minister Jared Clarke said he spoke with several municipalities and firefighter organizations that are worried about the risks that come with burning down old buildings.

“The Saskatchewan NDP agree that municipalities need support to safely dispose of derelict buildings, but if we want to address it, it needs to be done responsibly, ensuring that firefighters and our communities are safe,” Clarke said in a press release.

Saskatchewan Volunteer Fire Fighters Association (SVFFA) President Louis Cherpin said burning older buildings, many of which may contain asbestos, lead-based paint, and other toxic materials, releases hazardous contaminants into the air.

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“Exposure to these substances can have long-term effects on firefighters and residents nearby. Government has been advocating to keep our firefighters safe from unnecessary exposure to cancer causing toxins, and this proposed legislation flies in the face of that.”

He added that live burning is a critical piece of training for fire departments if done safely, but there needs to be consultation with stakeholders on how and when the practices can be done and how they must meet strict guidelines.

“The SVFFA strongly urges the government to reconsider this provision of Bill 21. We recommend that alternative, safer methods of building removal be prioritized—methods that comply with environmental standards and workplace safety regulations,” Cherpin said.

In the late 1990’s, the Prince Albert Fire Department actually built its own burn facility for training, specifically to avoid hazards like the ones Cherpin referenced. Fire Chief Kris Olsen said its lined with fire board that is designed for firefighters to train without concerns. They even use theatrical smoke to simulate conditions.

The pilot framework to use derelict buildings for training is specifically for volunteer firefighters, but Olsen said if the P.A. Fire Department ever did need to utilize an acquired structure through the Construction Codes Act, there is stringent criteria that must be followed through the National Fire Protection Agency.

“NFPA 1403 talks about mitigating factors before we even use a structure for acquired training and that would require us to ensure that there is no asbestos, oil paints, removing any combustibles that would create carcinogens, chemicals…and so the cost would essentially be too great to conduct that training,” Olsen explained.

Environment Minister Travis Keisig said the Ministry will consult with municipalities and firefighters throughout the summer to flush out details on the pilot framework.

When asked why the bill was passed before that happened, Keisig said legislation is just step one of the process.

“There were numerous stakeholder sessions at SARM and SUMA and overall there’s a lot of positives from municipalities and there are some questions, and they are valid questions, but that’s what the consultation is for in order to try and answer some of their questions and hammer out the finer details and see it rolled out by November,” said Keisig.

He added it’s a completely voluntary program and will need support of both local municipalities and volunteer fire departments.

“There’s going to be some communities and some volunteer fire chiefs that really want to have this opportunity to provide this training scenario and there’s going to be some that you know, have no interest and that’s fine,” Keisig said.

“This isn’t government telling people that you have to do this. This is about government creating a framework to allow them the opportunity.”

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Teena.Monteleone@pattisonmedia.com