Open-air Fires

• You must have the property owner’s permission to have a fire, and it must be in the backyard.
• The fire cannot be closer than three metres to the property line.
• You can only have a recreational fire between 4 p.m. and 11 p.m. daily, and not on a smoggy day.
• A responsible adult must supervise it at all times. Alcohol or drugs and fire safety do not mix.
• The fire must be completely contained within a proper metal/masonry/ceramic fire device. Fire pits on the ground with or without rocks or rings are not acceptable.
  • All openings must be completely covered by tight fitting metal spark screen(s) in which no opening is larger than six millimetres (the diameter of a pencil).
  • The hearth area must not be more than 66 centimetres wide and fuel pile no taller than 66 centimetres.
• All fuels must be completely contained within the fire device and screens.
• The fire device must not be on a combustible surface and must be at least three metres away from and five metres below anything that could burn. Take all necessary care to prevent fire spread.
• The smoke must not be a nuisance to your neighbours, and may not cross a public road.
• You can only burn clean, dry wood that has not been chemically treated, painted, stained, or
  • natural/propane gas in an approved appliance, or
  • commercial charcoal products.
• You must have on hand a charged garden hose or extinguisher or 15-litre pail of water.
• You must have a telephone on hand to call the fire department, if needed.
• You must put the fire out completely before leaving it.
• You are responsible for any negative consequences of having a fire, and can be fined and pay costs if you do not follow the rules or you cause fire damage to other things.

If you need to have a larger fire than the above rules allow, then you will have to apply to the fire department for a burning permit.

• You must use a commercially made barbecue that burns propane, natural gas, charcoal, or dry wood only.
• You might be able to use your custom-made grill, but first it must be inspected and approved by the fire department.
• You can use your barbecue or approved grill to cook food at any time.
• The fire can only be large enough for the purpose of cooking.
• The fire must be lit and extinguished only long enough before and after cooking as is necessary.
• A responsible adult must supervise it at all times.
• The fire must be completely within the barbecue or grill; if using wood, the flames must be below the grill height or a spark screen must be used (especially on start-up).
• The barbecue must be one metre or more away from and three metres or more below anything that could burn. Take all necessary care to prevent fire spread.
• If you live in a building with three or more units, you can only have a barbecue if the barbecue is on a concrete or masonry balcony, roof, or verandah.
  • Clearances for custom grills will be further than those listed above.
  • You must have on hand a charged garden hose, fire extinguisher, or 15-litre pail.
  • You must have a telephone on hand to call the fire department, if needed.
  • You must put the fire out completely before leaving it.
  • You are responsible for any negative consequences of having a fire, and can be fined and pay costs if you do not follow the rules or you cause fire damage to other things.

• The device must have a TSSA certification or similar safety mark (CSA, etc.).
• Keep away from all things that could catch fire.
• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.