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HomeFire, Police and Emergency ServicesFire Codes and Permits
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Fire Codes and Permits

The Regional Emergency Services – Fire Prevention Branch is responsible for issuing the following permits and can assist you through permit applications.

Recreational fires and fire pits

Permanent recreational fire pits within the urban service area require a permit from the Fire Prevention Branch. Email your completed application to the email address in the application document.  Upon receipt, applicants will be contacted for payment options for the $39 fee. Commercially-made portable fire pits do not require a permit under the Open-Air Fire Bylaw, though they should be used according to the manufacturers' instructions. 

Apply for a fire permit Fire Pit Diagram

Fire pit permit conditions

  1. Recreational fire pit fires are not to be used for the disposal of combustible waste, brush or garden refuse.
  2. All fires shall always be attended by a person who is eighteen years of age or older.
  3. A means of extinguishment shall be kept on hand for all fires (i.e. water hose, water in container, or fire extinguisher)
  4. Fire pit installations shall:
    • Be constructed of non-combustible materials;
    • Have a maximum dimension of one meter;
    • Be covered by a screen with grate openings not exceeding one-half inch;
    • Be located at least two meters from combustible materials including, but not limited to, buildings, fences, patio decks, trees and bushes.
    • Be located at least three metres from property lines.
    • Be located at least 0.6 meters laterally from any underground service. Contact Alberta One-Call at 1-800-242-3447 for free service.
  5. Fire pit permits are non-transferable; new owners require a new permit when a property containing a fire pit is sold or transferred.
  6. Complaints or emergency responses concerning the misuse of fire pits and recreational fires shall be investigated and permits may be temporarily cancelled or permanently revoked under the following conditions:
    • Wind conditions are excessive (15 km or greater) or create a potential health hazard for neighbouring properties;
    • The fire exceeds pit or receptacle size;
    • The fire presents a hazard to occupants and nearby residents in the opinion of the fire department member conducting the investigation;
    • Fire is left unattended;
    • Fire is determined to be in care and control of a person under the age of eighteen years;
    • Fire is being used in a hazardous manner;
    • Prohibited debris as defined by the Open-Air Fire Bylaw are utilized;
    • No method of fire extinguishment is at hand; or
    • Persons in control of the fire are, in the opinion of the attending fire department member, incapable of controlling the fire.
  7. Fire Protection Charges as per the Open-Air Fire Bylaw are applicable to emergency response and/or suppression operations resulting from the misuse of a recreational fire pit.
  8. The grate for a fire pit shall always be in place during a fire.
  9. Applications for recreational fire pit permits on property other than one's own or on municipal property where open fires are permitted in general, shall have written permission of the property owner.

For reference, please follow the Recreational Fire Pit Diagram.

 

Fire alarm systems

The National Fire Code, Alberta Edition requires that fire alarm systems are inspected and tested in conformance with CAN/ULC-S536, “Standard for Inspection and Testing of Fire Alarm Systems.”

A valid permit is required before any work is done on fire alarm and voice communication systems within the region. Businesses must complete the Fire alarm permit and submit it to the Fire Prevention branch for review and processing.

Fireworks

To fire or set off fireworks within the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo a fireworks permit is required.

Setting off fireworks within the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo is restricted by ‎Fireworks Bylaw No. 19/015.

Hot works

A hot works permit is required for the hot works noted below outside of a work area specifically dedicated and approved to be used for such activity. Hot works must conform to CSA W117.2 Safety in Welding, Cutting and Allied Processes.

The following conditions apply to permits issued for the conduct of hot works, involving open flames or production of heat or sparks, including, without being limited to:

  • cutting
  • welding
  • soldering
  • brazing
  • grinding
  • adhesive bonding
  • thermal spraying
  • pipe bonding
Installing fuel tanks

All fuel storage tanks shall comply with the National Fire Code, Alberta Edition. Do not install or alter a fuel storage tank system unless approved by the Fire Prevention branch.

Fuel storage tanks require a permit from the Fire Prevention branch prior to installation. All applicable documents requested in the permit must be submitted with the permit application. Permit applications can be submitted to RESFire.PreventionBranch@rmwb.ca

Fuel tank registration

Alberta fuel tank registrations expired on August 31, 2020 after the dissolution of the Petroleum Tank Management Association of Alberta (PTMAA).

In the RMWB, fuel tank installations will now require a Certificate of Compliance, post installation and inspection.

Contact the Fire Prevention Branch at 780-792-5519. for your certificate issuance.

Underground tank removal

The removal of underground fuel storage tanks require a permit from the Fire Prevention Branch. All applicable documents requested in the permit must be submitted with the permit application.

Open-air fires

An open-air fire refers to any fire not contained within a building or structure, but does not include industrial flare stacks, natural gas flare stacks, or similarly controlled open flames. Open air fires require a permit and operate in accordance to Bylaw No. 01/084. Fees related to open-air fire permits can be found in User Fees, Rates and Charges.

Pyrotechnics

A pyrotechnic event permit can be obtained at the Fire Prevention branch. Please ensure event plans and permit applications are submitted at least 14 days prior to the event.

This plan will include:

  • Full name, date of birth, and qualifications of the person who will be responsible for discharging the pyrotechnics.
  • Site diagram showing the location of proposed devices in relation to operators, audience, performers (if applicable), support personnel (if applicable) and any related structure.
  • A legible copy of the ERC Certificate is required, including expiry date, name and address of company.
  • Locations of effects will be clearly shown on maps. Proper clearance between guests and sets / scenery will be maintained.
  • The name and contact person of the group or company holding the event or show.
  • If display is not occurring on land owned by the group conducting the show, written permission to use the respective property will be required.
  • Names and qualifications of assistants required.
  • A manifest of fireworks / pyrotechnics being used in display is required (MSDS to be included).
  • Detailed information concerning manner of transportation and manner and location of storage of pyrotechnic equipment is required.
  • The Fire Prevention Branch reserves the right to request a live demonstration prior to approval to evaluate the display.
  • Proof of liability / third party insurance will be required with permit application.

If deemed necessary, Fire Prevention personnel will attend pyrotechnic displays. The Fire Prevention branch has the authority to stop the display should it be deemed unsafe.

Commercial cooking equipment exhaust systems

The National Fire Code, Alberta Edition requires that commercial cooking equipment exhaust systems are in conformance with NFPA 96: “Standard for Ventilation Control and Fire Protection of Commercial Cooking Operations.”

A valid permit is required before any work is done on a restaurant exhaust system. Businesses must complete the commercial cooking equipment exhaust systems package and submit it to the Fire Prevention Branch for review and processing.

Special fire suppression systems

The National Fire Code, Alberta Edition requires the design and installation of a special fire suppression system to conform to one of the following standards:

  • NFPA 11, Low-, Medium-, and High-Expansion Foam
  • NFPA 12, Carbon Dioxide Extinguishing Systems
  • NFPA 12A, Halon 1301 Fire Extinguishing Systems
  • NFPA 12B, Halon 1211 Fire Extinguishing Systems
  • NFPA 17, Dry Chemical Extinguishing Systems
  • NFPA 17A, Wet Chemical Extinguishing Systems
  • NFPA 2001, Standard on Clean Agent Fire Extinguishing Systems
  • NFPA 15, Water Spray Fixed Systems for Fire Protection
  • NFPA 16, Installation of Foam-Water Sprinkler and Foam-Water Spray Systems
  • NFPA 750, Standard on Water Mist Fire Protection Systems
  • NFPA 18, Wetting Agents

A valid permit is required before any work is done on a special fire suppression system. Businesses must complete the fire suppression permit package and submit it to the Fire Prevention branch for review and processing.

Water-based fire protection systems

The National Fire Code, Alberta Edition requires that water-based fire protection systems are in conformance with NFPA 25, “Standard for the Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems.”

A valid permit is required before any work is done on water-based fire protection systems. Businesses must complete the water-based fire protection systems package and submit it to the Fire Prevention branch for review and processing.

Relevant Resources

Fire safety in bars and nightclubs

The following is a standard guide for managers and owners of event venues, bars and nightclubs in the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo. This guide introduces and explains the Fire Safety in Bars and Nightclubs program. Please follow this guide carefully, as it will be used as an inspection reference by the Fire Prevention Branch.

Fire safety plans

The National Fire Code Alberta Edition requires a Fire Safety Plan for the following:

  • Every building containing an assembly, care, treatment or detention occupancy.
  • Every building with a fire alarm system.
  • Demolition and construction sites.
  • Storage areas for combustible products and dangerous goods.
  • Areas where flammable liquids or combustible liquids are stored or handled.
  • Areas where hazardous processes or operations occur.

The implementation of the Fire Safety Plan helps to ensure effective utilization of life safety features in a building to protect people from fire. The required plan should be designed to suit the resources of each individual building or complex of buildings. It is the responsibility of the owner to ensure that the information contained within the fire safety plan is accurate and complete.

Supervisory staff shall be trained in the fire emergency procedures described in the plan and provide a copy before they are given any responsibility for fire safety.

The plan shall be reviewed at intervals no greater than 12 months to ensure that it takes account of changes in the use and other characteristics of the building.

Should you have any questions or concerns contact the Fire Prevention Branch at 780-792-5519.

Download the Fire safety plan template.
Download the Fire safety plan for construction and demolition sites.

Download the Construction and demolition STANDATA. 

Fire drill report

Fire drills are critical for ensuring the safety of the staff, students, residents and clientele that enter your business, building or property. Practicing fire drills will help ensure individuals have the knowledge to safety escape a fire without injuring themselves or others.

The National Fire Code Alberta Edition mandates the frequency and procedures for fire drills. Results of fire drills must also be recorded and kept onsite along with your Fire Safety Plan. 

Review the Fire drill procedures information sheet.

Download the Fire drill report.

Fire watch information

A “Fire Watch” is a dedicated person or persons whose sole responsibility is to look for fires within an established area. Fire Watch is only intended as a short term alternative that permits continued occupancy of the facility/building.

Fire watch is required during the following events:

  • Temporary failure or shut down of fire safety equipment
  • Where activities require the interruption of any fire detection, suppression or alarm system component
  • Where activities increase the risk of fire such as Hot Works

Fire Watch is only intended as a short term alternative that permits continued occupancy of the facility/building. The immediate action of the facility/building owner, or their representative, shall arrange for corrective measures to be taken on the system(s) that are out of service.

Review the Fire Watch Service guidelines for more information. A standard form for the fire watch record is included for use.

 

Fire extinguishers and emergency lighting records

Nearly every commercial or industrial property/business is required to be equipped with fire extinguishers and emergency lighting.  These fire protection/life safety installations require on-going inspections, testing and maintenance (I.T.M.) to ensure they will perform as intended when needed.

Download the ready-to-print PDF Emergency Lighting Inspection and Test Record and Fire Extinguishers Monthly Inspection Record files. You can also download the editable Excel workbook for maintaining digital records.

Links and Documents

Codes and standards:

  • National Fire Code - Alberta Edition, NFC(AE)
  • National Building Code - Alberta Edition, NBC(AE)
  • NFPA Codes & Standards
  • UL & ULC Standards

Other materials:

  • Carbon monoxide safety
  • National fire code pre-inspection checklist
  • Smoke alarm safety
  • Special events fire code and safety requirements
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Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo footer logo

Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo
9909 Franklin Avenue
Fort McMurray Alberta T9H 2K4

Phone: 780-743-7000
Toll free: 1-800-973-9663

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