Fire Pit Regulations

We’ve removed the need for a fire pit permit making it even easier for Strathmore residents to get that fire pit roaring; however, fire pits are still regulated under the Fire Services Bylaw 18-02 and there are a few things you need to do to make sure your fire is safe and legal. View our handout here.

Wood or charcoal fueled fire pits

Construction Materials
Wood or charcoal burning fire pits must be constructed of non-combustible materials. Approved materials include masonry brick, concrete blocks, or heavy-gauge metal to form an enclosed burning area.

The fire pit, permanent or portable, must also be set on a non-combustible base, such as patio bricks or sidewalk blocks.

Screen
Use of a mesh screen to stop sparks (spark-arrestor) during burning is mandatory. Use 13mm (½ inch) metal mesh screen to cover the top opening of the fire pit.

Size
When setting up your fire pit, please make sure it follows these specifications:

The maximum burning area is 1 metre (3 feet) across.
The minimum height is 0.3 metres (1 foot) - measuring from ground level to the top of the fire pit.
The maximum height is 0.6 metres (2 feet) - measuring from ground level to the top of the fire pit.

Placement

No less than three metres (10 feet) from any structure (including but not limited to: fences, decks, garages, sheds, houses, property lines, or roadways.

No less than three metres (10 feet) from any vegetation, such as trees or shrubbery.

Have a mesh screen on top to stop sparks (spark-arrestor) with openings smaller than 1.25 centimetres (1/2 inch)

Fuel
Burn clean wood or charcoal only, no treated or painted wood or household, garden or yard waste.

Propane or natural gas fueled fire pits and heaters

Construction Materials

Propane or natural gas fueled fire pits and heaters must be ULC/CSA approved. The fire pit or heater must be certified for outdoor use and assembled, installed, and operated following the manufacturer's instructions.

Placement

Fire pit must be used in accordance with manufactures recommendations. If no recommendations can be found a minimum distance of 1.22 meters from any combustible materials should be observed.

Fuel

Operate with natural gas or propane only.

Fire safety

Before starting a fire, check the Alberta Parks' fire ban website (AlbertaFireBans.ca) to ensure there isn't a fire ban in Strathmore. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) advises citizens to never leave a fire unattended, even for a short period of time. Always have a fire extinguisher within reach. Consider weather conditions when burning as smoke and wind may cause concerns for your neighbours.
For wood-burning fire pits:

Always have a hose, bucket of water or shovel with dirt or sand nearby to put out the fire. Make sure to put it out completely before leaving it unattended. Apply water to all coals or remaining flames. Stir with a stick and pour more water. Before you leave the pit, make sure that there is no heat, glow or flame remaining.

For propane or natural gas fire pits and heaters:

Know your fire pit or heater so that you know what to do if you need to turn off the fuel source in a hurry. Clean the burners and pipes often as they can become clogged and cause gas buildup. Before lighting your fire pit or heater, check for leaks and tighten the connections if necessary. Be sure to turn off the fuel source after use.

Limiting noise and smoke

While you may enjoy the smell of wood smoke, not everyone does. Some medical conditions are aggravated by smoke. Make sure that your fire is small and burning clean, dry fuels to limit the amount of smoke drifting on to your neighbours' property. It is also important to limit the noise from around the fire pit, especially late at night.

Reporting your concerns

If you have a concern about a fire pit:

Discuss the concern directly with your neighbour
Record the address of the violation and a description of the problem if you can't resolve it directly with your neighbour
Call the Strathmore Fire Department at 403-934-3022
Provide your name, address, phone number and the details of your concern

Responding to your complaint

Responding to your complaint

After you call the Fire Department takes these steps to help with your complaint:

A file is created specifying your concerns
A duty crew will attend the scene to educate the owner
A Fire Prevention Officer may issue a warning notice with directions to remedy the problem within a specified time frame or issue a ticket with a fine, depending on the circumstances
The Fire Prevention Officer may issue an order, which allows the Town to fix the problem and bill the property owner for the cost
The Town may contact you to appear as a witness if the matter goes to court

If you believe a fire is dangerous call 911, The Strathmore Fire Department will respond immediately.