An updated Outdoor Fire Bylaw is now in place, which will further safeguard communities against the risk of wildfires. This bylaw includes clear rules for fire pits, outdoor fires and permits, while significantly increasing the fines for violations.
Remember to always check for fire advisories, restrictions and bans before starting a fire. Also, check the weather conditions and plan to enjoy a fire when there is little to no wind.
You cannot start a fire or use a portable fire pit in any park, trail or public space in the Urban Service Area of Fort McMurray, with the exception of permanent fire pits in municipal parks. Having a fire in the trails, such as the Birchwood Trails and Abasand Perimeter Trail, creates a very serious fire risk to nearby neighbourhoods and is strictly prohibited.
If you notice an unsafe outdoor fire in the Urban Service Area of Fort McMurray, please report it right away to Pulse at 780-743-7000. If you notice a fire outside of Fort McMurray, report it to 310-FIRE (3473).
Recreational fire pits
Recreational/backyard fire pits do not require a permit but there are strict requirements that must be followed to prevent fire hazards and keep your home and neighbourhood safe. These rules also apply to portable fire pits.
Fires can never be left unattended. They must be supervised at all times by someone at least 18 years old. An adequate means to extinguish the fire must be within reach, such as water, sand or a fire extinguisher.
Location
-
Fire pits must be a safe distance (at least 3 metres) away from all buildings, structures, decks, fences, property lines and combustible materials.
- Fire pits must maintain a clearance of at least 0.6 metres above underground utility lines. Contact Alberta One-Call at 1-800-242-3447 to get your utility lines located for free.
Size and material
To contain sparks and embers, all recreational fire pits must have:
- Fully enclosed sides, with a diameter not exceeding one metre.
- Walls that are 60 centimetres or less from the base of the fire.
- A cover/grate made of non-combustible material. The openings in the grate can’t exceed 1.25 centimetres.
- Built with non-combustible and durable material, such as brick, concrete, steel, cooper, clay, cast iron, and aluminum.
Acceptable items to burn
The following items are allowed to be burnt in a fire pit:
- Natural wood
- Wooden material that does not contain wood preservatives
- Grass and weeds
- Leaves and tree prunings
Prohibited items to burn
The following items are strictly prohibited from being burnt in a fire pit:
- Non-wooden material
- Wooden material that contains wood preservatives
- Animal manure
- Plastic, rubber, tires, etc.
Fire permits
Fire permits are required for bonfires and when burning large amounts of brush. Find everything you need to know about fire permits, the application process and more at rmwb.ca/firepermits.
Fireworks
The Fireworks Bylaw prohibits the use of fireworks in the Municipality without a permit. Fireworks can cause damaging fires and there are serious fines and penalties for setting them off.
Violations and penalties
The Outdoor Fire Bylaw is in place to help keep your home and community safe from wildfires. Breaking any rule will result in very serious fines and consequences.
| Violation | Fine |
|---|---|
|
Starting an outdoor fire without a valid fire permit. |
$1,000 |
|
Ignoring fire ban rules or conditions. |
$600 |
|
Not putting out a fire when your permit is suspended or canceled. |
$600 |
|
Failing to extinguish a fire that doesn’t need a permit. |
$600 |
|
Not having your fire permit available for inspection while burning. |
$1,000 |
|
Burning items that are not allowed, like hazardous waste. |
$840 |
|
Burning construction or demolition waste. |
$840 |
|
Lighting a fire on someone else’s property without their permission. |
$360 |
|
Starting a fire during a fire ban. |
$1,200 |
|
Using tracer rounds, incendiary ammo, fireworks, or exploding targets. |
$600 |
|
Using off-highway vehicles that could start a fire during a ban. |
$1,200 |
|
Leaving burning materials unattended that could start a fire. |
$840 |
|
Providing false or misleading information about a fire or permit. |
$360 |
|
Not taking proper precautions to prevent smoke or fire nuisances. |
$840 |
|
Lighting an outdoor fire under dangerous weather conditions. |
$840 |
|
Failing to control a fire, allowing it to become hazardous. |
$840 |
|
Not having an adult present to supervise a burning fire. |
$600 |
|
Actions likely to cause an uncontrolled fire. |
$840 |
|
Causing smoke that dangerously obscures traffic. |
$1,200 |
|
Starting a fire on municipal land without permission. |
$1,200 |
|
Not following an official order regarding fire management. |
$1,200 |
|
Not reporting an unauthorized or out-of-control fire promptly. |
$600 |
|
Obstructing fire protection efforts or investigations. |
$1,200 |
|
Violating any specific condition of your fire permit. |
$1,000 |