Greetings Ward 4 Residents,
Backyard fire pits, outdoor fireplaces and wood-burning ovens can be fun but be sure you’re following the rules and staying safe while enjoying them.
Fire pits may only be used:
- Between 10 a.m. and midnight, Sunday – Thursday; or
- Between 10 a.m. and 1 a.m., Friday and Saturday.
It’s also important to be considerate of your neighbours. Outdoor smoke can cause health issues for some people, so consider wind conditions before lighting a fire. High winds can cause smoke to travel a long distance and can be a fire risk whereas low wind speeds don’t disperse smoke and can contribute to poor air quality.
- Firepits must be built into the ground, on brick or stone, or in a fire-proof container.
- Portable firepits should never sit directly on a wooden surface like a deck. Firepits must also be at least two metres away from your property line, house, garage or fence and they cannot be under trees, branches, plants or other flammable materials.
- Fires must be less than one metre high and wide, and a mesh screen or spark guard is required to reduce the spread of sparks and embers.
- Only burn clean, dry firewood and always have water close by to put out the fire. Easy options for this are your watering hose or a bucket of water.
- Finally, never leave a firepit unattended. Call 9-1-1 to report an out of control fire and 3-1-1 to report a firepit complaint and make sure no fire bans are in effect before starting a fire.
Firepit hours are restricted in Calgary – visit calgary.ca/firepits for details, rules and restrictions.
Did you know that part of your yard is made up of rights-of-way, and your property line doesn’t begin at the edge of the road or sidewalk closest to your home?
As a homeowner, you are responsible for mowing and general maintenance, but it is technically the road right-of-way and is considered public land.
For more information or to learn where the right-of-way is located on your property, visit calgary.ca/row.
Thank you for your attention,
Ward 4 Councillor Sean Chu
