Type(s)
Public Notice
Fire Services within the MD of Peace are regulated by our “Fire Services Bylaw #8/2023”. All fires within the MD of Peace that are not specifically permitted by Section 8.5 (copied below) of Bylaw #8/2023, require a permit. The following fires are referred to as “recreational fires” and are permitted without a permit.
- Fire Permits are not required under this Bylaw for the following activities:
- cooking of food using a portable appliance;
- Recreational Fires or cooking of food in Acceptable Fire Pits or Acceptable Fireplaces, provided that:
- will be contained within the Acceptable Fire Pit or Acceptable Fireplace below the mesh screen;
- a means, acceptable to the Fire Chief, of controlling or extinguishing the fire is available on the property and within reasonable distance from where the fire occurs;
- the fire is kept under control and supervised at all times by a responsible adult person until such time that the fire has been completely extinguished; and
- flame height does not exceed one meter above the structure or container;
- only clean fuel is used such as natural gas, dry wood, or charcoal, in amounts that burning in fireplaces in or attached to dwellings as provided by legislation;
- an outdoor fire lit by the Fire Department for training or preventative control purposes;
- an outdoor fire prescribed by the regulations of the Forest Prairie and Protection Act; and
- burning of Burnable Debris when burned within an Acceptable Burning Barrel and or/ incinerator.
Definitions for Acceptable Firepits, Fireplaces and Burning Barrels are below;
- “Acceptable Burning Barrel” means an outdoor receptacle that meets the following specifications:
- a minimum of three meters’ clearance is maintained from any building, property line, or other combustible material when measured from the nearest edge;
- the opening does not exceed one meter in width or diameter when measured between the widest points or outer edges;
- the receptacle has closed sides made from brick, concrete blocks, heavy gauge metal, or other non-combustible material that is acceptable to the Fire Chief;
- a spark arrestor mesh screen with openings no larger than 12.5 millimeters that is constructed of expanded metal (or equivalent material) is used to cover the opening in a manner sufficient to contain and reduce the hazards of airborne sparks; and
- is only used on agricultural
- “Acceptable Fire Pit” means an outdoor receptacle that meets the following specifications:
- a minimum of three meters’ clearance is maintained from any building, property line, or other combustible material when measured from the nearest fire pit edge;
- the fire pit height does not exceed 600 millimeters when measured from the surrounding grade to the top of the pit opening;
- the pit opening does not exceed one meter in width or in diameter when measured between the widest points or outer edges;
- the fire pit has enclosed sides made from brick, concrete blocks, heavy gauge metal, or other non-combustible material that is acceptable to the Fire Chief; and
- a spark arrestor mesh screen with openings no larger than 12.5 millimeters that is constructed of expanded metal (or equivalent material) is used to cover the fire pit opening in a manner sufficient to contain and reduce the hazards of airborne
- “Acceptable Fireplace” means an outdoor receptacle that meets the following specifications:
- a minimum of one meter’s clearance is maintained from any building, property line, or other combustible material when measured from the nearest fireplace edge;
- the fireplace is constructed of materials such as bricks or rocks that are heat and flame resistant;
- the fireplace is equipped with a chimney that is not less than two and one-half meters in height when measured from the base of the burning area;
- the fireplace chimney is equipped with a regulation screen designed to contain and reduce the hazards of airborne sparks;
- the base of the fire burning area is not less than 300 millimeters above the surrounding grade; and
- the fire chamber does not exceed one and one-quarter meters in width and is at least 400 millimeters, but not more than 600 millimeters in depth; and
- Clay fire pots are required to meet the above regulations and should have a layer of sand or gravel in the bottom to prevent burn-through.
If your fire does not fall into one of the above categories then you need a permit!
Things to know when applying for a Fire Permit
Burnable Material
Only material identified under Section 5 of Bylaw #8/2023 (copied below) are permitted to be burned within the MD.
- “Burnable Debris” applies to farm use only and means the following materials:
- grass and weeds;
- leaves and tree pruning’s;
- brush and fallen trees on newly cleared property; and
- wood material from the construction or demolition of buildings that does not contain wood preservatives.
Prohibited Material
Material that cannot be burned anywhere within the MD of Peace at any time;
Section 33 of Bylaw 8/2023 list material that is specifically prohibited from being burnt within the MD of Peace. Permits will not be issued for the burning of these materials (Section 33 is below).
- “Prohibited Debris” means any material that when burned will result in the release of dense smoke or toxic air contaminants to the atmosphere as outlined in any legislation or bylaw written to protect and enhance the environment and includes but is not limited to materials described as:
- animal manure;
- chemicals and chemical containers;
- combustible material in automobiles;
- household refuse;
- non-wooden material;
- paints and painting materials;
- pathological waste;
- rubber or plastic, or anything containing or coated with rubber or plastic or similar substances, except rubber or plastic attached to shredded scrap steel;
- tires;
- toxic substances;
- used oil; or
- wood or wood products containing substances for the purpose of preserving