Campfires
Campfires are governed by the Fire Services Bylaw and the Good Neighbour Bylaw. These bylaws play a role in our community to ensure that everyone may enjoy a safe campfire experience, without adversely affecting the health of the community, or the ability for their neighbours to continue to enjoy their own properties.
Fire Interface Zone Map
Campfires or fire appliances are allowed as long as they meet bylaw requirements:
Zone 1 - No person shall situate a camp fire or outdoor fireplace less than 3m from any combustible materials, including but not limited to buildings, sheds, shrubs, grassy fields or from property boundary. Campfires must be contained and will not exceed 1m in diameter (3ft) and 1m in height (3ft).
Zone 2 and 3 - No person shall situate a campfire or outdoor fireplace 5m from any combustible materials, including but not limited to buildings, sheds, shrubs, grassy fields or from property boundary. Campfires are required to be enclosed by rock, concrete, ceramic clay or metal container no greater than 0.6m (2ft) wide and no less than 0.6m (2ft) in height and require a spark guard.
- Fires must be tended to at all times by a person with the resources to extinguish the fire immediately upon order from a Bylaw or Fire Officer or in case of emergency.
Do not burn or ignite when:
- Air Quality Health Index is greater than 3
- Ventilation Index is less than 55
- Conditions are hazardous or a fire ban is in place.
This applies to all campfires and outdoor fireplaces.
What can I burn?
Only dry, seasoned wood or charcoal briquettes.
Campfires are permitted for the purpose of cooking or recreation.
Never burn yard waste, garbage or any other materials that omit opaque, or dense smoke or noxious odours.
Outdoor Burning Appliance and Portable Campfire Apparatus – CSA or ULC rated devices that use briquettes, liquid or gaseous fuel are permitted as long as used in a safe manner and in accordance with manufacturer’s recommendations.
Smoke Nuisances
In order to ensure a happy campfire experience for all concerned, the City has enacted smoke nuisance regulations contained in the Good Neighbour Bylaw. These regulations apply to campfires and fire appliances and ensure that no fires produce opaque or dense smoke which may affect the surrounding neighbours.
These regulations restrict fires omitting opaque, or dense smoke or noxious odours and allow Bylaw or Fire Officers may order fires to be extinguished. Progressive enforcement may occur.