- Smoke from fire pits can cause adverse health effects to some people. Be aware of neighbours that may be negatively impacted to exposure of smoke from outdoor fire pits or outdoor fireplaces and follow this bylaw and fully understand your responsibilities.
- Some of your neighbours may have asthma, COPD, other conditions or may be required to be on oxygen. Smoke can worsen respiratory conditions and may have a negative impact on your neighbor’s health.
- Before using your fire pit, familiarize yourself with optimal wind conditions and take precautions to prevent smoke from disturbing your neighbours.
- High wind speeds may send smoke long distances or pose a fire hazard and not permitted when wind speeds meet or exceed 15km/hr.
- Low wind speeds will not easily disperse smoke and can contribute to poor air quality, very important you use clean seasoned firewood to ensure a hot, incipient fire is produced.
- Fire pit devices always require a screen cover.
- Placing a metal grill/screen on top of the fire pit reduces the flame's size and helps prevent sparks and embers from escaping and igniting nearby materials.
- Using clean, seasoned firewood will help with creating a hot fire that does not produce dense smoke.
- Ensure enough airflow is provided to any in ground fire pits, low oxygen can lead to smoky, smoldering fires.
- When you extinguish the fire, ensure that the fire is completely out, and no hot coals are left to cause a rekindle overnight or produce unpleasant odours.
- Never burn “Prohibited Materials” which can expose you, your family, pets and your neighbors to toxins, carcinogens, and dioxins.
Remember, failure to comply with the open air fire by-law can lead to charges or billing for fire response services.