A warm fire in your yard is a great way to spend time outdoors with your family. When used safely and properly, firepits can provide many hours of enjoyment. It is important to know the requirements for their construction and safe use.
Firepit Regulations
The regulations governing the use of firepits and outdoor fireplaces are in place to ensure your safety, prevent fires and minimize the nuisance to neighbours. The Regina Fire Bylaw allows outdoor fires without a permit in enclosed burners, providing they meet the all regulations. Bonfires and other open-air fires are not allowed without a permit.
- Firepits cannot be used between the hours of 1 a.m. and noon.
- The fire must be contained in a non-combustible receptacle made of cement, brick, clay or sheet metal with a minimum 18 gauge thickness.
- The fire box must be covered with heavy gauge metal screen with openings not larger than 13 mm (1\2 inch) to contain sparks.
- The size of the fire box must not exceed 82 centimetres (32 inches) in any dimension.
- The firepit must be located a minimum of three metres (10 feet) from any combustible material, such as buildings, porches and decks.
- Firepits cannot be placed on combustible decks or apartment balconies.
- Firepits must be situated on a non-combustible surface.
- Firepits shall be clear of overhangs, such as tree branches, utility lines and structures.
- Firepits must be supervised by an adult at all times.
- Any person who uses a firepit shall have a means of extinguishing the fire readily accessible at all times.
- The only permitted fuels are charcoal, seasoned wood or manufactured fire logs.
- Materials that cannot be burned include, but are not limited to: waste including rubbish, slimes, manure, treated or painted lumber, livestock or animal carcasses, tailings, garbage, garden refuse or scrap; any hazardous material or dangerous good; or any material that generates black smoke or an offensive odour, including insulation from electrical wiring, rubber tires, asphalt shingles, hydrocarbons, plastics and lumber treated with wood preservative.
- Firepits must be extinguished if smoke causes an unreasonable interference with the use and enjoyment of another person’s property.
- Firepits shall not be used in windy conditions.
- In the event the Fire Chief issues a Fire Ban, the use of firepits is prohibited.
Consequences
A Fire Inspector or an on-duty operational fire crew is on call 24 hours a day to respond to public complaints. The Fire Inspector will investigate the complaint to determine whether the firepit complies with proper regulations.
If the Fire Inspector determines it is not being used properly, he or she can order that the firepit immediately be made to conform to regulations. Or the Fire Inspector may order the fire pit to be extinguished. The Fire Inspector may also issue a $300 fine.
Complaints can be made to Service Regina at 306-777-7000.
