Backyard Firepit Regulations

Sure it gets in our hair our deep into our clothes, but nothing quite beats that campfire smell! It’s the smell of company, of smores and of hotdogs….it’s the official smell of summer fun. And it’s so easy to enjoy it right in the backyard on a clear summer evening….as long as you know the local ground rules. Safety is number one and these regulations are in place for a reason. Here a couple reminders of local bylaws regarding fire:
• Fire Permits are required for “Open Fires” in rural areas. This includes any fires not in an incinerator (burn barrel), grass fires, brush fires, stubble burning, bonfires and recreational fires without a screen in place.
• Recreational fires do not require a permit. It is to be set only for cooking or warmth, and may only be fueled with dry wood, charcoal, natural gas or propane.
• Recreational fires must be located 10 FEET away from any other combustible product (fence, house, garage, deck or trees).
Fire Bans:
• Bans are communicated to residents by newspaper, radio, roadsigns and local website. A ban is used when wildfire conditions are considered critical.
• The use of natural gas and propane are still permitted under a fireban, but you may NOT use a backyard firepit or charcoal bbq.
• If ATV’ing please use extreme caution.
• For detailed fireban infoVisit: https://albertafirebans.ca/


Edmonton:
• Firepits must be less than 2 feet high and 3 feet wide and have a spark arrestor with openings less than ½ inch. It must have enclosed sides made of brick, concrete or heavy gauge metal.
• For city complaints call 3-1-1.
• http://www.edmonton.ca/bylaws_licences/bylaws/fire-pits.aspx


Strathcona County:
• Recreational fires (fire pits, pots, bowls or Chimineas). A recreational or pit fire is defined as a fire which is totally confined within a non-combustible structure or container that has the draft and smoke vents thereof covered with a heavy gauge metal screen having a mesh size no larger than 13 millimetres and which is ventilated in such a manner as to preclude the escape of combustible materials including ash.
• http://www.strathcona.ab.ca/departments/Emergency_Services/Fire/burning-questions.aspx

Enjoy a smart and safe summer!!!