Town of Canmore

Fire Pit Safety

Have a Safe Backyard Fire

Backyard fire pits, as well as outdoor fireplaces, and wood-burning ovens must meet Canmore's Fire Bylaw & Regulations for the safety of our community.

Always check if a Fire Ban is in effect before starting a fire. Fire Ban Status

Fire Pit Safety and Conditions
·  Always check if a Fire Ban is in effect before starting a fire.
·  Backyard fire pits must be built into the ground, on brick or stone, or in a fire-proof container.
·  Portable fire pits may be used on a deck, but they must sit on non-combustible material such as brick or stone, and not directly on your wooden deck.
·  Fire pits must be at least two metres away from any building or combustible material such as your fence.
·  Fire pits must NOT be under any trees, branches, plants, or other materials that can catch fire.
·  All fires in your fire pit must be kept to a reasonable size; 1 metre high and wide.
·  A mesh screen or ‘spark guard’ should be used to reduce the spread of embers and sparks from wood-burning fire pits.
·  All fires must be fully supervised at all times by at least one person 14 years of age or older. 
·  Always have a nearby way to put out the fire. Easy options are your watering hose or a bucket of water. 


To read all the conditions for outdoor fires, read section 3 of the pdf Town of Canmore Fire Bylaw (5.12 MB)
Only burn clean, dry firewood. Do NOT burn:
· Wood that is painted, treated or contains glue or resin
· Wood from a different region or province
· Wet or green/fresh-cut wood
· Yard waste (cut grass or leaves)
· Garbage
· Rubber or plastic
· Furniture.

You can be fined up to $2,000 for not following Canmore's bylaws. These bylaws help protect our community.
Be a Good Neighbour
· Fire pits may only be used between 10 a.m. and 1 a.m.
· Smoke from fire pits can cause adverse health effects. Be aware of neighbours who may be negatively impacted by exposure of smoke from outdoor fire pits.
· Take precautions to prevent smoke from disturbing your neighbors.
· Be aware of the amount of noise you are making, and respect your neighbours.
Report a Complaint
Call 403.678.4244 during business hours to report a complaint about a backyard fire pit to Municipal Enforcement.
Call 9-1-1 to report an illegal or hazardous fire. 

The Town of Canmore is located within Treaty 7 region of Southern Alberta. In the spirit of respect, reciprocity and truth, we honour and acknowledge the Canmore area, known as “Chuwapchipchiyan Kudi Bi” (translated in Stoney Nakoda as “shooting at the willows”) and the traditional Treaty 7 territory and oral practices of the Îyârhe Nakoda (Stoney Nakoda) – comprised of the Bearspaw First Nation, Chiniki First Nation, and Goodstoney First Nation – as well as the Tsuut’ina First Nation and the Blackfoot Confederacy comprised of the Siksika, Piikani, Kainai. We acknowledge that this territory is home to the Métis Nation of Alberta, Region 3, within the historical Northwest Métis homeland. We acknowledge all Nations who live, work, and play and help us steward this land and honour and celebrate this territory. We commit to working to live in right relations and to advance Truth and Reconciliation.

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