Location
A fire containing device must:
- Be positioned in a back yard only, not in a front yard or a side yard.
- Be positioned at least 3 meters (10 feet) from any property line, house, garage, fence, deck, shed or any other permanently installed or hard-to-move structures (i.e. benches, play structure etc.).
- Be positioned at least 3 meters (10 feet) from any trees, branches, shrubs, plants or other materials that may catch fire.
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Be positioned at least 1 meter (3.3 feet) from a gas line. To obtain the location of gas lines under your property, contact Utility Safety Partners (formerly Alberta One Call) or call 1-800-242-3447. This is a free service.
A fire pit should not be located on or near your gas line, as noted by your gas line locate. The result could lead to a serious safety hazard or explosion, requiring emergency services assistance and a costly repair bill.
- Distance requirements apply to both horizontal and vertical directions.
Gas line locate
- A copy of your gas line locate must be included with your application.
- To obtain a gas line locate for your property, contact Utility Safety Partners (formerly Alberta One Call) or call 1-800-242-3447.
Construction and design rules
A fire containing device must be constructed and designed as follows:
- The base of any in-ground fire pit must consist of sand, gravel or concrete.
- The fire must be enclosed in a fire container made of rock, concrete block, metal or cured and fired ceramic/clay.
- The fire container must have an inside measurement no larger than 90 cm (3 feet) in diameter or linear length.
- The fire container must be at least 45 cm (1.5 feet) in height.
- A metal mesh screen or "spark guard" is required on all openings of a fire containing device, to reduce the spread of embers and sparks. The openings in the mesh screen must not be more than 1.24 cm (1/2 inch) across.
Using your fire pit
Regulations for safe use of your fire pit or other fire containing device include:
- A fire must be supervised at all times by a competent adult.
- Must only be used for warmth, or cooking food for people.
- Any seating around the fire containing device must be fire-resistant and easy to move.
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There must be a way to put out a fire nearby (no more than 9 meters or 29.5 feet from the fire containing device).
Options are a watering hose, or a container of water or sand (at least 20 litres or 5 gallons).
- Only burn clean and dry firewood.
- Do not burn garbage, yard waste, furniture, construction materials, rubber, plastic, tar, or wood that is painted/treated.
- Do not start any fire outdoors if there is a fire ban in effect.
Tenant information
If you are not the owner of the property where you wish to install a fire pit or other fire-containing device, then you must have the owner's consent to apply for a permit.
Obtain a written letter from the property owner expressing their consent for a fire-containing device and include the property address, date, your name, their name and their signature.
Include this letter of consent with your application.
