Fire Pits – Where there’s smoke…

By: Dianne Lyle, Public Education Advisor, City of Calgary Animal & Bylaw Services

An evening in front of a backyard fire pit socializing with neighbours and friends is a relaxing pastime for many Calgarians. When the regulations in the Community Standards Bylaw are followed and fire pits are used safely and properly, they can provide many hours of enjoyment. One of the major concerns for neighbours is when the smoke from a fire pit is dense and emits unpleasant odors. The can be avoided by only burning clean, dry firewood. Considering wind conditions before using a fire pit can also help to prevent smoke from disturbing others. Low wind speeds may contribute to poor air quality because smoke settles and dissipation is reduced. High wind speeds may pose a fire hazard. Placing a metal grill or screen on top of the fire pit reduces the size of the flame and helps prevent sparks from escaping and igniting nearby materials.

The following are some of the regulations outlined the Community Standards Bylaw and if not adhered to, are subject to a $500.00 penalty:

• Treated or painted lumber, wet or unseasoned wood, lumber containing glue or resin, yard waste, garbage, rubber, plastic or any animal parts cannot be burned in a fire pit.
• A fire pit must be situated at least two metres from a building, structure or any combustible material and cannot be located under any trees or branches.
• The open flame area cannot exceed one metre at its widest point.
• Owners must have a way to extinguish the fire and the fire must be supervised at all times.
• Fires are not allowed to burn on a premises between 1 a.m. and 10 a.m.

Animal & Bylaw Services and the Calgary Fire Department continue to work together investigating complaints and educating the public on the proper use of fire pits.
Call 3-1-1 to report a fire pit complaint. To view the Fire on Premises Section of the Community Standards Bylaw 5M2004, visit calgary.ca/animalservices and search "bylaws."

Off Leash Update

In response to a Council Notice of Motion, Animal & Bylaw Services and Parks are currently reviewing the management of Calgary's off-leash areas. Visit our website at calgary.ca/animalservices for regular updates as we continue this process throughout the summer.