Infographic courtesy of Wood Buffalo.
Fire Bans & Burning Regulations
The City of Chestermere has four fire hazard levels (aligned with provincial levels):
- No restriction (green)
- Fire Advisory (yellow)
- Fire Restriction (orange)
- Fire Ban (red)
Current Level - No Restriction (Green)
No Restriction – low fire danger. Chestermere Fire Services reminds residents that open fires are only permitted in acceptable fire pits and must be managed and extinguished properly.
No Restriction |
Fire Advisory
|
Fire Restriction
|
Fire Ban
| |
| Open fire permits | Allowed (✔) | Allowed (✔) | NOT allowed (X) | NOT allowed (X) |
| Propane/natural gas barbecue | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Propane/natural gas fire pit | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Indoor fireplace | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Outdoor fireplace | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | X |
| Chiminea | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | X |
| Fournos oven | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | X |
| Charcoal briquette barbecue | ✔ | ✔ | X | X |
| City owned elevated fire pits | ✔ | ✔ | X | X |
| Backyard fire pits | ✔ | ✔ | X | X |
| Fireworks* | X | X | X | X |
No Restriction
Low fire danger.
Chestermere Fire Services reminds residents that open fires are only permitted in acceptable fire pits and must be managed and extinguished properly.
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.
Barbecue & Fire Pit Safety – What Residents Need to Know
Fire burning regulations are outlined in the City of Chestermere’s Community Standards Bylaw (003-25).
Click here to read the Fire Services Bylaw (021-19)
Barbecues Indoors Are Dangerous
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
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.
Propane Fire Tables & Portable Fire Pits
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
- If unavailable, minimum clearances include:
🚫 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.
Fire Bans & Restrictions
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.
When Fire Services Will Step In
Chestermere Fire Department may require a fire to be extinguished if:
- Flames exceed allowed height
- The fire is left unattended
- Clearance distances are not met
- Unsafe materials are being burned
- Wind or weather conditions make the fire hazardous
Failure to comply may result in bylaw enforcement action.

Please contact the Chestermere firehall at 403-272-9878 (during office hours only) for further information.
