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

Permits are no longer required for outdoor fire pits, but there are strict rules and requirements that must be followed. Learn more about outdoor fire rules and safety.

Fire permits

Fire permits are used to ensure large outdoor fires in the municipality are managed safely. There are very serious fines and penalties for not having a fire permit in place when required.

When you need a fire permit

Burning Brush and Debris: If you're planning to clear land and need to burn large amounts of brush, leaves, or fallen trees.

Large Bonfires: For large fires intended for events or gatherings that are bigger than what can be burned in an average outdoor fire pit.
Special Purposes: Any fire that doesn't fit into the usual categories of recreational or cooking and might be considered unusual or potentially hazardous.

When you don’t need a fire permit

Cooking Fires: If you're using a barbecue, grill, or smoker that's specifically designed for cooking food outdoors. This includes devices fueled by propane, natural gas, charcoal, or wood pellets.
Smudging fires
Recreational Fires in Safe Fire Pits: Small fires for warmth or enjoyment within a contained fire pit that meets the bylaw's construction and location guidelines.
Camping Stoves: Portable stoves or lanterns that use gas, jellied petroleum, or pressurized liquid fuel.

How to apply for a permit

Complete the Fire permit application and submit it to Regional Emergency Services – Fire Prevention. (Details included in the application)

Your application will be reviewed by the Fire Marshal or a designated Safety Codes Officer, who can approve the permit with or without conditions, request additional information, or refuse the permit if the proposed fire poses unacceptable risks.

Additional details about the conditions and restrictions of approved permits will be provided by the Fire Marshal.

The Outdoor Fire Bylaw includes additional information on fire permits and fines for violations.

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.

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 permit and submit it to the Fire Prevention Branch for review and processing.

Special fire suppression systems

The National Fire Code - 2023 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 special 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 permit 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 template.

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 the Fire Extinguishers Monthly Inspection Record or the editable Microsoft Excel workbook for maintaining digital records here.

Links and Documents

Codes and standards:

Other materials: