Fire Codes and Permits

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.