Are Fire Pits Legal in Manitoba?

Understanding Fire Pit Regulations in Manitoba: A Comprehensive Overview

Enjoying the warmth and ambiance of a fire pit is a beloved activity for many Manitobans. However, it’s essential to be aware of the regulations and guidelines in place to ensure safety and compliance with the law. Here’s a breakdown of the rules surrounding fire pits in Manitoba:

Provincial Regulations:

Open fires are prohibited from April 1st to November 15th, except under a burning permit or in an approved fire pit. This regulation aims to mitigate the risk of wildfires during dry seasons.

Municipal Regulations in Winnipeg:

   – A permit isn’t required for fires in an approved receptacle on a residential property in Winnipeg.

   – Approved fire pits must meet specific criteria: they must be enclosed on all sides and constructed from non-combustible materials such as masonry, concrete, or heavy gauge metal.

   – The opening of the fire pit must not exceed 2.5 feet in diameter, with a minimum depth of 6 inches and a maximum depth of 24 inches.

   – Fire pits must be supervised by someone over the age of 18 at all times, kept under control, and have an immediate means of extinguishment nearby.

   – Fire pits must not cause reduced visibility on roads or spread beyond approved containment, and their usage is prohibited when winds exceed 25 kilometres per hour.

   – They must maintain a minimum distance of 3 metres from any combustible materials or buildings.

   – If you are using a wood burning rather than gas burning fire pit, only clean, dry, untreated/painted wood should be used in fire pits to prevent air pollution and health hazards.

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 summary, being aware of fire pit regulations in Manitoba is essential for safe enjoyment. Provincial rules restrict open fires except with a permit or in approved fire pits, while municipal regulations in Winnipeg detail specific criteria for these pits. Compliance with safety standards is crucial, including supervision, containment, and distance from combustibles. Additionally, ensuring certifications like CSA or ANSI for gas fire pits is important for safety and insurance coverage. By following these guidelines, Manitobans can continue to enjoy fire pits responsibly.