Requirements for the installation and use of Fire containing devices in the Town of Strathmore
Open fires or campfires, including fire containing devices, on public or private property within the Town of Strathmore are NOT allowed, except and unless APPROVED by the Strathmore Fire Department Fire Chief. Prior to being approved, a fire containing device such as a fire pit or chiminea must satisfy the following conditions:
LOCATION
Public Property - No fire is allowed on public property except in a pit or container that has been designated by the Fire Department for such use.
1. Private Residential Yards - Fire containing devices can only be approved for fires if they are situated:
2. In the Back yard only. Front and side yard installation and use are not permitted.
· No less than 3 metres from all property lines.
· No less than 3 metres from any structure (including but not limited to: fences, decks, garages, sheds, houses or any other permanently installed or hard to move structures such as benches, play stations, etc.).
· No less than 3 metres from any vegetation such as trees or shrubbery.
Note: Distance requirements apply in HORIZONTAL and VERTICAL directions
SEATING
All seating around fire containing devices should be easily movable and constructed of materials that do not readily catch fire or burn, such as wood or metal.
CONSTRUCTION / DESIGN
All fire containing devices must be constructed and designed as follows:
1. The base must consist of gravel or concrete and be no less than 20 centimetres greater in size than the outside diameter or measurement of the fire containing device.
2. The fire must be enclosed in a rock, concrete block, cured or fired ceramic / clay, or metal fire container no greater than 61 centimetres inside diameter or measurement and no less than 45 centimetres in height.
3. All openings in the fire containing device must be covered with a metal spark arrestor with a maximum hole size of 1.25 centimetres.
4. Other designs with equivalent safety measures may be approved by the Fire Chief.
USAGE
Public or private fire containing devices may only be used for:
1. Cooking of food for human consumption.
2. Warmth.
3. Fire must be attended at all times by an adult who is competent to supervise it.
4. Material capable of extinguishing the fire should be located no farther than 2 metres from the fire containing device. Acceptable extinguishing capability would consist of a container of water or sand of not less than 20 litres or a garden hose connected to a reliable water outlet.
5. Only clean dry wood is to be used for fuel.
PROHIBITIONS
The following materials may NOT be burned in the fire containing device:
1. Garbage or painted wood.
2. Yard or garden refuse such as tree trimmings, leaves, grass etc.
3. Construction materials.
4. Any material made of or containing rubber, plastic, tar, etc.
Persons desiring to install a fire containing device such as a fire pit or chiminea are required to submit a permit and obtain written approval of the Fire Chief prior to the installation and use of it.
Despite the fire containing device being approved, the Fire Department may require that a fire be extinguished. The Fire Department may revoke any approval if, in the sole opinion of the Fire Department, the fire creates a hazard for reasons which include but are not limited to:
· the fire not being tended properly;
· the fire, or smoke emanating from the fire,
· creating a nuisance for other property owners, or
· the fire creating a risk of spreading outside of its approved container.
NOTE: There are several stores in and around Strathmore that are selling portable fire pits and fire pits of unique design. These fire pits may acceptable for use within the Town of Strathmore but only with the approval of the Fire Chief. The same fire pit permit application process would apply.
Requests for further information or questions can be directed to the Strathmore Fire Department at 934-3022 during regular business hours.
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