Collingwood's open-air burning bylaw went up in smoke on Monday.

Council voted unanimously to repeal the bylaw that was passed three weeks ago.

The bylaw called for a ban on open-air burning in the municipality with the exceptions of farms.

However, due to a presentation from local resident Murray Kierans and a host of letters expressing their opposition, council chose to reverse its decision.

One of the concerns from residents was the bylaw did not allow them to have campfires during the summer.

"I own property on Eva Cres., and over the past years, for each year, have obtained a burning permit," wrote Douglas Clark in a letter posted on the consent agenda.

"Burning occurred for campfire and enjoyment at family gatherings. I diligently followed the guidelines outlined in the previous burning bylaw. To my knowledge, there has never been a complaint regarding my burning."

Fire Chief Sandy Cunningham said the solution will be to issue burning permits for a small - about one foot by one foot - campfire.

In order to receive a permit, residents must meet certain requirements including the fire being at least 50 feet from any building and the fire can't be located Only the fire chief can issue a permit.

For those caught burning without a permit, the charge could be at least $450.