City Urging Residents be Safe with Backyard Fires

July 16, 2009

Fire pits must meet City standards

Even though recent rainfall has reduced the fire danger and led to the lifting of Edmonton’s partial fire ban, it is still extremely important for residents to be careful with backyard fires this summer. The City is urging Edmontonians to check their fire pits and make sure they are safe and legal.

“There’s nothing wrong with enjoying a legal fire pit in your backyard,” says Ron Jeske, fire marshal, Edmonton Fire Rescue Services. “The trick is to do it responsibly.”

Under the Community Standards Bylaw, backyard fire pits must:

  • be at least 3 metres (10 feet) from buildings, property lines and anything flammable;
  • be less than 0.6 metres (2 feet) high and 1 metre (3 feet) wide;
  • have enclosed sides made from bricks, concrete or heavy-gauge metal; and
  • have a mesh screen on top with openings smaller than 1.25 centimetres (1/2 inch) to stop sparks.

Only natural gas, preservative-free wood and charcoal can be burned in backyard fire pits and smoke and noise must be kept to a minimum.

“It is very important that people build a proper backyard fire pit to keep fires safely contained,” says Community Standards Peace Officer Grant Blaine. “People should also make sure the smoke and noise from their fire pit isn’t disturbing their neighbours.”

In addition to building backyard fire pits to the legal standard, residents should also make sure they keep their fires small and have water nearby in case flames escape. Fires should be completely extinguished before they are left unattended.

Residents can report illegal fire pits or burning to 311. If a fire poses an immediate danger, residents should call 911 and Fire Rescue will respond. Late night noise complaints should be reported to the Edmonton Police Service at 780-423-4567.

Anyone who causes an uncontrolled fire by ignoring bylaw regulations is liable for firefighting costs.

For more information visit www.edmonton.ca/bylaws or call 311.

 

For more information:

Grant Blaine

Title Community Standards Peace Officer
Telephone

780-442-0922

Ron Jeske

Title Fire Marshall, Fire Rescue Services
Telephone

780-496-3628
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