Council approves major changes to bylaw on outdoor fires in Fort McMurray

(Fort McMurray, AB - April 24, 2024) - Major revisions to the bylaw regulating all outdoor fires and burning in the urban service area of Fort McMurray were approved by Council on April 23.

The Outdoor Fire Bylaw provides clearer rules for backyard fire pits, fire permits and fire bans. It also includes significant increases to fines for violations - with penalties ranging from $300 to $1,200.

These changes are largely in line with provincial enforcement fines and violations for fire compliance.

"More than 60 per cent of wildfires in Alberta are caused by people and are often the result of carelessness," noted Regional Fire Chief Jody Butz. "Municipal fire prevention and bylaw enforcement officers need tools to help prevent wildfires in the urban service area. This updated bylaw gives them that."

Permits no longer required for fire pits on private property

Under the revised bylaw, permits for stationary backyard fire pits will no longer be needed. The bylaw includes updated rules for all backyard fire pits, including portable fire pits. It also sets out what types of materials are allowed and not allowed to be burned.

Permits are still required for all other outdoor burning, including open fires and fireworks.

"Unpermitted or illegal fires are a concern for everyone; we've seen the damage and the havoc they can cause," said Chief Butz. "This spring, there's an increased wildfire risk across the province. We need everyone across the Region to be careful, be alert and follow the rules when it comes to fire."

Residents are encouraged to review the outdoor fire penalties below and the read the Outdoor Fire Bylaw to understand the rules for outdoor burning.

For more information, please also see our outdoor fire rules webpage.

Fire safety reminders, tips and the rules for outdoor fires will continue to be shared throughout wildfire season. Check the municipal website and follow the RMWB on municipal social media (@rmwoodbuffalo) to find this information as well as updates on municipal fire bans.

For questions about the updated bylaw, rules and more, contact Pulse at 780-743-7000.

Outdoor Fire Bylaw penalties

31(b) Ignite Outdoor Fire without a valid Fire Permit - $1,000

31(c) Disregard any prohibition or conditions of Fire Ban - $600

31(d) Fail to extinguish a fire on suspension or cancellation of a Fire Permit - $600

31(e) Fail to extinguish an Outdoor Fire exempt from Fire Permit - $600

31(f) Fail to have a Fire Permit present on the Property - $1,000

31(g) Burn Prohibited Debris - $840

31(h) Burn materials resulting from construction or demolition - $840

31(i) Ignite an Outdoor Fire without consent of Owner - $360

31(j) Ignite an Outdoor Fire during a Fire Ban - $1,200

31(k) Use tracer ammunition, incendiary ammunition, fireworks or exploding targets - $600

31(l) Operate an off-highway vehicle during a Fire Ban - $1,200

31(m) Deposit, discard or leave any burning matter or substance - $840

31(n) Provide false, incomplete or misleading information - $360

31(o) Fail to take sufficient precautions to control fire, smoke or nuisance - $840

31(p) Ignite an Outdoor Fire in poor weather conditions - $840

31(q) Fail to take reasonable steps to control a Fire - $840

31(s) Fail to have a person 18 years or older attend any burning fire - $600

31(t) Conduct an activity reasonably expected to cause an out-of-control Fire - $840

31(t) Conduct any activity that involves the use of a Fire that creates smoke that interferes with traffic - $1,200

31(v) Improperly ignite a Fire on lands owned or controlled by the Municipality - $1,200

31(w) Fail to comply with an order - $1,200

31(x) Fail to promptly report any unauthorized Outdoor Fire or out of control fire - $600

31(y) Impede or in any way interfere with any Fire Protection activities or investigation - $1,200

31(z) Fail to comply with a condition of a Fire Permit - $1000

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