Enjoying a recreational fire in your backyard can be a great way to spend a summers evening. Here are some Safety and bylaw considerations for you.
- Always confirm that a Fire Ban is not in effect before starting a fire for recreational purposes.
- Fires may only be burned in fire pits between 10 a.m. and 1 a.m.
Rules for Fire Pits:
- Backyard fire pits should be built into the ground, on brick or stone, or in a fire-proof container. Portable fire pits may be used on a deck as long as they sit on brick or stone, and not directly on your wooden deck. Always refer to the Fire pit manufacturer for approved fir pit locations.
- Fire pits must be at least two metres away from your property line, house, garage, or fence.
- Fire pits must NOT be under any trees, branches, plants or other materials that can catch fire.
- All fires in your fire pit must be kept to a reasonable size; 1 metre high and wide.
- A mesh screen or “spark guard” is now required in order to reduce the spread of embers. The openings of the mesh must not be greater than 1.24 cm.
- Only burn clean, dry firewood.
- Do Not Burn:
- Wood that is painted, treated or contains glue or resin
- Wet or green/fresh cut wood
- Yard waste (cut grass or leaves)
- Garbage
- Rubber or plastic
- Furniture
- Always have a way to extinguish the fire in the event of an emergency. Easy options are having your watering hose or a bucket of water nearby.
- All fires in your fire pit must never be left unattended.
- Aside from safety considerations, not following these rules can lead to fines of $500, $1000 or even $5000.
For more information go to Calgary.ca/fire.
