Fire Pit Safety 

A Fire Pit Permit is required for anyone who wants to have fire pits or campfires on a residential property. No other type of burning is allowed and burning without a current permit is contrary to the City of Grande Prairie Bylaw C-1312. For information on what activities are permitted during a fire ban visit: http://www.albertafirebans.ca/

Fire Pit Requirements:

To help residents enjoy outdoor fires safely and responsibly, all residential fire pits must meet specific location, construction and operating requirements. 

Fire pits are only permitted in backyards and require a valid Recreational Burning Permit and permits can only be obtained by registered property owners, while renters must provide written approval from the property owner. Active fires must also be attended at all times by a responsible person who is at least 18 years old.

Fire pits have to be located at least three metres from property lines and any combustible materials, including buildings, fences, decks, trees and other vegetation. They must also be at least 0.6 metres away from underground utility lines. Fire pits can be installed in the ground or above ground, provided they are constructed to safely contain burning materials and are built using non-combustible materials such as stone, masonry or metal. Fire pits should not exceed one metre in diameter and must be covered with a sturdy screen or grate with openings no larger than 1.25 centimetres.

Portable manufactured fire pits, including chimeneas, must also be located at least three metres from combustible materials and cannot be placed on combustible surfaces such as wooden decks. Only clean, preservative-free wood or wood products may be burned, and burning is not permitted when winds exceed 15 km/h. Following these requirements helps reduce fire risks and ensures recreational burning can be enjoyed safely within the community.

When Requirements Do Not Apply

These guidelines may not apply to every situation. If you have special considerations or think that you may require further information, please contact a fire prevention officer by phoning 780-538-0400.

No Permit is required for:

• Cooking food using a portable cooking appliance; does not apply to portable propane/natural gas fire pits, that are CSA approved or UL certified. Natural gas or propane barbecues are allowed to be used and do not require a Permit.