Fire Bans & Burning Regulations

Fire Advisory

Moderate fire danger.

Chestermere Fire Services warns residents that a more restrictive fire ban may be coming or that there is a short-term concern like a major wind event which may increase the fire hazard level. During a fire advisory, open fires are allowed, but residents are reminded to be extra vigilant. Soaking the area adjacent to the fire pits with water is recommended.

Fire Restriction

High fire danger.

Fire hazard conditions are at a level where wildland fires can start and grow quickly. Certain types of open fires are restricted. No open wood burning fires or charcoal briquette bbqs are allowed. Wood burning fires in screened appliances such as indoor/outdoor fire places or Fourno ovens are permitted. Gas or propane stoves/bbqs and portable propane fire pits are allowed.

Fire Ban

Extreme fire danger.

No campfires, burning of wood products or charcoal briquettes allowed. Gas or propane stoves/barbecues and portable propane fire pits are allowed.

Barbecues and fuel‑burning appliances are for outdoor use only.

• Barbecues must never be used indoors
• Barbecues must never be used in garages, sheds, or enclosed patios
• Fire pits and portable fuel‑burning appliances are not permitted indoors

Using a barbecue or fire pit in an enclosed or partially enclosed space can lead to:

• Carbon monoxide poisoning
• Explosions or flash fires
• Rapid fire spread inside structures

What is allowed

• Propane or natural gas barbecues used outdoors in open air
• Barbecues located safely away from doors, windows, soffits, and combustible materials

What is not allowed

• Indoor barbecue use of any kind
• Using a barbecue in a garage, even with the door open
• Using fire pits or propane fire tables indoors

If it burns fuel, it belongs outside.

Backyard fire pits are allowed in Chestermere when there is no Fire Restriction or Fire Ban in place and when all bylaw conditions are followed.

General Fire Pit Requirements

Under the Community Standards Bylaw (003‑25):

• Fire pits do not require a permit
• Flames must not exceed 1 metre in height
• Fire pits require a spark arrestor mesh screen with a grid no larger than 0.7cm
• Fires may only burn between 11:00 a.m. and 12:00 a.m.
• Only clean, dry, untreated wood may be burned
• Fires must be constantly supervised
• A hose or fire extinguisher must be immediately available

Placement & Clearance

• Portable wood or propane fire pits must be at least 4 metres (≈13 feet) from:
  • Buildings
  • Fences
  • Decks
• Fire pits must be placed on a non‑combustible surface
• Sparks and embers must be controlled at all times

If you cannot meet these clearances, the fire must not be lit.

Chestermere Fire Services permits propane fire tables and portable propane fire pits when used correctly:

✅ Allowed when:

• Fueled by 20 lb propane cylinders or smaller
• Used strictly outdoors
• Manufacturer clearance requirements are followed
  • If unavailable, minimum clearances include:
    • 1.22 m (4 ft) from combustible materials
    • 2.11 m (7 ft) overhead clearance

🚫 Not allowed when:

• Clearance distances cannot be met
• Used during conditions that create excessive fire risk
• Used indoors or in enclosed areas

Fire crews may order any unsafe device to be extinguished immediately.

Check Before You Burn

Chestermere uses a four‑level fire hazard system:

• No Restriction (Green) – Fire pits allowed
• Fire Advisory (Yellow) – Fire pits allowed, extra caution required
• Fire Restriction (Orange) –
  • Wood fire pits and charcoal barbecues are NOT allowed
  • Propane/natural gas barbecues and propane fire pits ARE allowed
• Fire Ban (Red) –
  • No wood or charcoal burning
  • Propane/natural gas barbecues and propane fire pits ARE allowed

Residents are responsible for knowing the current fire status before lighting any fire.