By Brady Ratzlaff

With summer just around the corner, residents will need permits for recreational fires

May 25, 2018 | 12:47 PM

With the warm weather in full swing and people wanting to get outdoors and enjoy backyard fires, fire department officials say they will need a permit to do so.

Grande Prairie Fire Prevention Officer Trevor Schwabe says that there is a protocol for fire pits.

“One of the big requirements would be ten feet from all combustibles. So, with some of the smaller yards, that’s not going to be possible with the fences and proximity to the other houses and your deck. That’s one of the big hurdles to jump.”

Schwabe adds fire pits have to meet certain construction criteria.

“The pits cannot be more than three feet wide (one metre). It has to be on a non-combustible surface.  And typically, we like to see the fire pit on some brick so no sparks land on the grass and won’t cause any issues.”

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A permit is not only necessary for homeowners, renters also must follow certain rules. 

“Renters that are renting a property, as long as they meet the requirements and get signed permission from the landowner, they can have a fire pit in the backyard.  Fire pits are only allowed in the backyards,” said Schwabe.

Schwabe said bylaw enforcement can give tickets for people that are not complying with the bylaws or when someone doesn’t have a permit.

Recreational fires are still allowed even with the Fire Advisory in place for Grande Prairie and area. That will only change if the fire hazard for the region changes to extreme.

People can get their permits online or by visiting the Pete Eager Fire Station. They cost $10 per year.