Come on baby light my (backyard) fire: A refresher on Calgary rules

It's fire pit season once again in Calgary but with great (fire) power comes great responsibility, so here's a refresher of the rules around safely and considerately enjoying one in your backyard.

You don't actually have to have a fire pit, but if you do, make sure it's built into the ground, on brick or stone, or in a fire-proof container.

If you opt for a fire cauldron instead, just make sure it's not placed directly on a wooden deck. It needs to be on a brick or stone base.

Safe distance

Any pit or cauldron must be at least two metres from any structures like a house, fence or garage. Avoid positioning the unit under a tree or overhanging branches.

A mesh screen or spark guard is required to cut down on flying sparks and embers and keep an eye on the wind.

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The height of the fire itself cannot exceed one metre, so no bonfires.

Burn good, clean wood purchased or acquired from the Calgary area. Avoid bringing in wood from other regions to avoid transferring diseases and insects.

Avoid burning these items in your pit or cauldron:

• Wood that's painted, treated or contains glue or resin
• Wood from a different region
• Wet, green or fresh wood
• Yard waste like grass or leaves
• Garbage
• Rubber or plastic
• Furniture

Lastly, be a good neighbour.

Quiet hours are between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m., Monday to Saturday and 10 p.m. to 9 a.m. Sundays and holidays. But you can have a backyard fire between 10 a.m. and midnight, Monday to Friday and 10 a.m. to 1 a.m. weekends.

Fines for not following the city's bylaws can be up to $5,000.

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With files from The Homestretch