EDMONTON- With temperatures set to hover around the 30 degree mark this long weekend, there’s no doubt people will be heading outdoors to enjoy the weather.
But the fun also comes with a warning, for those who plan to enjoy an outdoor fire.
While the City of Edmonton wants residents to enjoy their weekend, officials are urging them to ensure fire pits are safe, legal and used responsibly.
“Fire Rescue attends a lot of nuisance backyard fire pit calls that are related to excessive smoke and noise,” said fire prevention captain Peter Mickelsen. “We want to encourage people to be good neighbours and practice fire safety when burning.”
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In 2012, peace officers responded to more than 200 complaints for fire pit bylaw violations. Edmonton Fire Rescue Services has seen a 29 per cent increase in fire pit related calls this year, compared to the same time last year.
The Community Standards Bylaw requires that backyard fire pits:
- Be at least three metres from buildings, property lines and anything flammable
- Be less than 0.6 m high and one metre wide
- Have enclosed sides made from bricks, concrete or heavy-gauge metal
- Have a mesh screen on top with openings smaller than 1.25 cm to stop sparks
“It is very important people build a proper fire pit to keep fires safely contained and that only non-treated, dry wood or charcoal is used,” said Dallas Holroyd, a peace officer with the City of Edmonton.
Residents are also asked to make sure they keep their fires small, have water nearby in case flames escape, and never leave a fire unattended.
“People should also make sure that excessive smoke and noise associated with fire pits doesn’t disturb their neighbours,” Holroyd added.
People using illegal fire pits could receive a $250 fine, and anyone who causes an uncontrolled fire by ignoring bylaw regulations is liable for firefighting costs.
For more information on fire pit safety, visit the City of Edmonton’s website.
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