The City of Beaumont Council has updated its fire services regulations to ensure public safety as the community continues to grow. On April 14, 2026, the city officially passed the new Fire Services Bylaw, which replaces the previous rules that had been in place since 2017.
This new bylaw provides clear guidelines for fire prevention and emergency response. It grants city officials the power to declare fire bans when necessary, during which time all burning permits are suspended. The updated rules also include stricter enforcement, with fines ranging from $250 to $10,000 for violations such as unauthorized fire hydrant use, burning prohibited materials, or setting off fireworks without a permit.
The move comes as Beaumont manages significant population growth, having seen a 27.9 percent increase in residents over the past five years. To keep up with this expansion, the city’s 2026 budget includes the hiring of two additional full-time firefighters. These professionals will join a department led by Director of Protective Services and Fire Chief Jay Melvin, which currently operates with five full-time staff and about 40 paid-per-call volunteer firefighters.
The city has also planned for long-term infrastructure needs to maintain safety. According to the city’s five-year capital plan, construction on a new fire hall is slated to begin in 2028. These updates work alongside the city’s existing Council Policy C54, which establishes minimum staffing levels, such as ensuring a crew of four trained firefighters is available during weekdays.
