Be Firepit and Barbecue Safe

Regina Fire & Protective Services reminds residents to be cautious when using barbecues and backyard firepits as families and friends get together to enjoy the upcoming long weekend and warmer temperatures ahead.

“It’s important to remain alert when operating equipment that requires a fire source,” said Layne Jackson, Regina Fire Chief. “If you’re going to light a fire or cook outside, you should be aware of all potential hazards, such as placing flammable materials too close to a barbecue or firepit.”

Exercise caution when using a barbecue. Regina’s leading cause of fire is careless cooking. Follow these important safety tips to stay safe:

• Before the first seasonal use, check all connections and lines with the soapy water test.
• Never use your barbecue indoors or in a garage.
• Barbecue on a solid surface, away from trees, shrubs, overhangs and structures like your home, garage or shed.
• Always light the barbecue with the lid open.
• When finished barbecuing, turn off the cylinder valve first, then the grill controls.
• Ensure coals are soaked with water before discarding.
• Never store spare propane cylinders indoors or in a garage.

Regina Fire sets important rules and regulations to protect residents, prevent fires and reduce intrusion to neighbours.

Firepit Safety Regulations include:

• Fires must be contained in a non-flammable container on a non-combustible surface, like cement or brick, and be covered with a heavy gauge metal screen.
• Firepits must be placed at least three metres from any combustible materials such as fences, houses, decks, bushes and overhanging branches.
• Only seasoned wood, manufactured fire logs or charcoal can be burned. Burning debris for disposal purposes is not allowed, including leaves, twigs and scrap lumber.
• At all times, firepits must be supervised by an adult and a means to extinguish the fire must be near at hand.

Violating firepit safety rules could result in a $300 fine per offence as they pose a serious safety risk to the community. Visit Regina.ca/fire for full details on all City regulations on outdoor firepits.

If you witness careless use of a firepit, contact Service Regina at 306-777-7000 during regular business hours or go online to Regina.ca to complete a service request 24 hours a day. In an emergency, call 9-1-1.

After enjoying your outdoor firepit or charcoal barbecue, allow the ashes to cool for a day before placing them in a disposable container and into your brown bin. Ashes should not be placed in a recycling cart.