Are Fire Pits Legal in Alberta?

Navigating Fire Pit Regulations in Alberta: What You Need to Know

Fire pits are a popular addition to outdoor spaces in Alberta, offering warmth and ambiance for gatherings. However, it’s essential to understand the rules and regulations surrounding their use to ensure safety and compliance with the law. Here’s a concise guide to fire pit regulations in Alberta, with specific information for Calgary and Edmonton, the province’s largest cities:

Provincial Regulations:

Wood burning and gas burning fire pits are legal in Alberta. However, wood burning fire pits may be subject to fire bans during periods of heightened wildfire risk. Other than these restrictions, provincial fire pit laws are sparse, therefore you should always consult your local municipality for more specific details, particularly when it comes to gas fire pits.

Fire Pit Regulations in Edmonton:

– Fire pits in Edmonton must be positioned at least 3 metres from buildings, property lines, or anything combustible to prevent accidents and minimise fire hazards.

– The fire pit must be less than 0.6 metres high and 1 metre wide, with enclosed sides made of brick, concrete, or heavy gauge metal and a mesh screen/spark arrestor.

– Only clean, dry firewood or charcoal should be burned, and burning anything that produces excessive smoke or toxic fumes, such as yard waste, is prohibited.

– Fire pits must never be left unattended, and a method of extinguishment, such as a hose, sand, or fire extinguisher, must be readily available. For wood burning fire pits, ashes must be disposed of before they cool to prevent potential flare-ups.

Fire Pit Regulations in Calgary:

– Fire pits in Calgary must be positioned at least 2 metres from property lines, buildings, or combustible materials, and should be clear of overhanging branches from trees or bushes.

– The fire within the fire pit must not exceed a maximum height and width of 1 metre to control the size of the fire and prevent hazards.

– Wood burning fire pits must have a mesh screen to protect from sparks and embers, ensuring safety for surrounding areas.

– Operating fire pits is restricted after 12 pm on weekdays and 1 am on weekends to minimise disturbances to neighbours.

Certifications and Safety:

Another important thing to consider is whether the fire pit is certified or not. In Canada, the Canadian Standards Association (CSA), is the certification standard for all consumer products from clothing to outdoor fire pits. Organisations such as this develop safety standards that assure the customer the product is safe to use, hence they are particularly important for appliances such as gas fire pits. The American equivalent of CSA is the American National Standards Institute, or ANSI. These certifications are often both used for the regulation of outdoor gas fire pits in North America, whichever you choose, you can be assured that the product is held to a high standard. Additionally, which certification is required can depend on the state or even the county you live in. Therefore, you should always confirm with your local jurisdiction the certifications they require for gas fire pits. 

Moreover, if you run a commercial business, such as a hotel, bar or restaurant, or you rent out a private property, ensuring your fire pit is certified could be extremely important. In the event of an insurance claim resulting from the fire pit, insurance companies often won’t pay out if it is not certified. Also with gas fire pits, it is important to consider whether only the burner has been certified, or if the appliance has been certified in its entirety. If the fire pit isn’t certified as a whole, this could also cause issues with insurance claims.

In conclusion, understanding fire pit regulations in Alberta is essential for safe and enjoyable outdoor experiences. While provincial regulations allow for both wood burning and gas burning fire pits, additional restrictions may apply during periods of heightened wildfire risk. Specific regulations in cities like Edmonton and Calgary outline requirements for safe fire pit use, including positioning, size limitations, and fuel restrictions. It’s important to consult local municipalities for more detailed information, particularly regarding gas fire pit regulations. Additionally, considering certifications like CSA or ANSI enhances safety and may be necessary for insurance coverage, especially for commercial establishments. By adhering to these regulations and safety measures, residents can continue to enjoy the warmth and ambiance of fire pits while respecting community safety and environmental considerations.