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 BBQ

✔

✔

✔

✔

Propane/natural
gas fire pit

✔

✔

✔

✔

Indoor fireplace

✔

✔

✔

✔

Outdoor fireplace

✔

✔

✔

X

Chiminea

✔

✔

✔

X

Fournos oven

✔

✔

✔

X

Charcoal briquette
BBQ

✔

✔

X

X

City owned elevated fire pits

✔

✔

X

X

Backyard
fire pits

✔

✔

X

X

Fireworks*

X

X

X

X

*Fireworks within City of Chestermere limits are prohibited under the Alberta Fire Code 5.7 and the City of Chestermere Community Standards Bylaw (Section 13). Professional fireworks displays (such as Canada Day) must have written consent and approvals by Chestermere Fire Services and are to be discharged only by a licensed pyro-technician.

Details

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/bbqs and portable propane fire pits are allowed. 

Fire burning regulations are outlined in the City of Chestermere’s Community Standards Bylaw (004-12).

Whenever you have a fire, you must always have a way of quickly extinguishing at hand: a bucket of water, garden hose or fire extinguisher.

Residential Fire Pit Guidelines

While backyard fire pits do not require a permit, please ensure you are taking the proper safety precautions to keep you and your family safe.

  • Never leave your fire unattended and be aware of the safety of children and pets
  • Keep your fire small and watch for sparks and strong winds
  • Burn only dry, clean wood
  • The flames from the fire cannot exceed 1 metre in height at any time
  • Have a fire extinguisher or hose nearby when using your fire pit
  • Fires are only allowed to burn between 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 a.m.
Fire Pit Guidelines

Photo: Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo