GUIDELINES FOR CONSTRUCTION OF FIRE PITS ON RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES

These guidelines may not apply to every situation. If you have special considerations or think that you may require further information, please contact the Captain on duty at the Grande Prairie Fire Department by phoning 538-0393.  An inspection will only be carried out upon request or if the Grande Prairie Fire Department receives a complaint.

REQUIREMENTS:

1. Only registered owners are eligible to take out a Recreational Burning Permit. Renters must show written approval by the owner.

2. The pit is located at a safe distance, approximately 10 feet/3 m, from all combustibles (i.e. house, sheds, fences, trees, decks, power lines, etc.).

3. The pit be either dug into the ground, or constructed above ground in a manner which will prevent the fuel from falling out of the container.

4. The above ground portion of the pit is constructed of stone, masonry, or metal.

5. The pit should be no more than 3 feet/1 m in diameter or equivalent size if rectangular.

6. Portable manufactured fire pits (including chimineas) shall be located at a safe distance, approximately 10 feet/3 m, from all combustibles (i.e. house, sheds, fences, trees, decks, power lines etc.).

7. No portable manufactured fire pit (including chimineas) shall be placed on a combustible surface or structure (i.e. wooden decks).

8. Flammable or combustible liquids, chemicals or contaminated substances shall not be burnt.

RECOMMENDATIONS:

1. The bottom of the pit contains approximately 25 cm of gravel or stone.
2. A ring of sand approximately 15 cm wide is provided around the pit to prevent grass from growing up to the edge of the pit.

NOTE:  Conditions under which the fire would be extinguished by the Fire Department:

a) Complaints (i.e. smoke entering neighbours’ buildings)
b) Unattended fires
c) Fire exceeding the pit size
d) If the fire, in our judgement, creates a special hazard
e) Grass, rubbish, leaves, etc. cannot be burnt within City limits. Pits are for recreational fires only
f) Non valid permit

Once your firepit meets the above guidlines, please visit one of the firestations.  Eager Station in South Grande Prairie is at 8111 Resources Road.   Salmond Station in North Grande Prairie is at 11906 102 Street.   You will be required to sign a permit and agree to the following:

To burn wood for recreational purposes, while competent and constant adult attendants are left in charge of such fire to keep it under control.

 

Permittee agrees:

• The recreational fire pit will be constructed in conformance with the requirements as listed. Non-conformance will result in this permit being considered null and void.
• This permit will be posted or readily made available upon the request of a Safety Codes Officer or an Enforcement Services Officer.  If a copy of a valid burning permit can not be provided upon request, the fire may be ordered to be extinguished.

It is an expressed condition of this Permit that the Permittee, whose signature appears here under shall be responsible for any injury, or damage to person or property arising from the use of this Permit and agrees to the requirements as listed on the back of this Permit.  This Permit may be revoked at any time and for any reason with the fire ordered to be extinguished.

 

It is the Permittee’s responsibility to maintain a current Permit.  Burning without a current Permit is contrary to City of Grande Prairie By-law C-864.

Firpit permit cost:

 

See information on Chimineas