REGINA – Bonfires are a tell-tale sign that summer has arrived, but these natural and calming flames can be high risk.
The Regina Fire Department is warning that fire pits need to be at least three meters from any building, home, deck or shed.
The fire must be contained in a non-combustibles receptacle made of cement, brick, clay or sheet metal with a minimum 18 gauge thickness and are not permitted on balconies.
For houses looking to host a back yard fire, it cannot take place on a windy day.
“Typically all our responses to fire pit complaints are by neighbours,” Fire Marshal Randy Ryba said.
Minding your manners is a part of living in the city. Neighbours with open windows may not appreciate the smoke and or smell of the fire, and a smoke screen is highly recommended.
They may also not like the noise. If hosting a backyard event with an active fire, residents must follow the rules.
“We have a curfew. You cannot burn after 1 in the morning all the way through till noon the next day. We have people also burning on the bare ground. They are burning leaves. They’re incinerating materials.” Ryba explained.
“That’s not the intention of a fire pit. It’s for the enjoyment and the campfire effect.”
Last year the Regina Fire Department responded to 150 fire pit calls. Tickets can range up to $300.
But open flames aren’t the only issue.
“We also respond to a number of fires every year. People discarding smokers material or cigarette butts in potting soil pots”, Ryba said.
Some potting containers hold peat moss and are often not marked.
The material may not set fire right away, but the issue arises after the smoker leaves the area and does not notice that the flames have as well.
In regards to barbecues, Ryba advises all cooks to keep an eye on their heat source whether inside or out. Un-attended cooking is the number one cause of house fires in Regina.
Barbecues are a delicious warm weather sight, and that is great,
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