All backyard fire pits, outdoor fire places, wood burning ovens or Chimeneas, must meet Calgary’s Community Standards Bylaw for your safety and the safety of your neighbours. Be sure your backyard fire pit is safe for you to enjoy!

1. Fire pits should be built into the ground, on brick or stone, or in a fire-proof container.
2. Portable fire pits on decks must be on brick or stone – not directly on a wooden deck.
3. Fire pits must be at least two metres away from your property line, house, garage, or fence.
4. Fire pits must NOT be under trees, branches, plants or other flammable materials.
5. Fires must be a reasonable size; 1 metre high and wide with a mesh screen or ‘spark guard’ to reduce the spread of embers and sparks. (Openings in the mesh screen must be less than 1.24 cm across.)
   • Only burn clean, dry firewood. NOT:
   • Wood that is painted, treated or contains glue or resin
   • Wood from a different location, region or province
   • Wet or green/fresh cut wood
   • Yard waste (cut grass or leaves)
   • Garbage
   • Rubber or plastic
   • Furniture
6. Have water close by to put out your fire.
7. Fire pit must be continually supervised and may only be used between 10 a.m. and midnight, Sunday – Thursday; or between 10 a.m. and 1 a.m., Friday and Saturday.

Also, make sure no Fire Bans are in effect before starting a fire, and always remember – in case of an emergency – call 9-1-1 for help.

For more fire safety tips, visit www.calgary.ca/csps/fire/safety-tips/fire-safety-and-prevention.html.

The City of Calgary