Fire Pit Safety

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.

Report a Complaint

Call 403.678.4244 during business hours to report a complaint about a backyard fire pit to Bylaw Services.
Call 9-1-1 to report an illegal or hazardous fire. 

Have a Safe Backyard Fire

• 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. 

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, or
• 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 that 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.