We at Occupy Sudbury would like to address the warning issued by Fire Marshall Roger Eaton on the afternoon of Thursday, November 24th, 2011.

 We are attempting to peacefully comply and will use other means of retaining warmth.

 As you are undoubtedly aware, temperatures in the Northern latitudes can reach well below zero degrees Celsius during the winter months. As Occupy Sudbury's previous attempts at winterization violated certain municipal bylaws, Occupy Sudbury would like to respectfully and officially request permission to maintain the current chimney fire. Occupy Sudbury wishes to remain peaceful and comply with the current bylaws: to not have open fire within 6 metres of any structure, and to place the chimney fire on a non-combustible surface.

 It is imperative that Occupy Sudbury be granted some productive method of staying warm. Occupy Sudbury encampment regularly sees 20-30 homeless and disadvantaged adults and youth every day who have come to rely on Occupy Sudbury as a place to stay safe and warm as they have been refused by the various programmes that are supposed to take them in. Occupy Sudbury is continually making genuine attempts to improve the quality of life for those who are without.

 For almost everyone, be they Occupiers or not, having a fire has been a tradition in almost every country for hundreds upon hundreds of years. It was customary and expected to use fire for cooking, warmth, as well as creating and maintaining a sense of community. 

 Occupy Sudbury would like to thank All City Workers, Police Officers, EMT workers, the Fire Marshall and others within the Fire Department for their suggestions, cooperation and support.

 Sincerely,
OCCUPY SUDBURY