Fire Pits

Fire Pits are permitted in the Town of Olds provided the following conditions are met.

  • Always check if a Fire Ban is in effect before starting a backyard fire.
  • Burn only clean, dry, untreated wood or charcoal. (No yard waste.)
  • A competent person must remain in charge of the fire at all times.
  • Flames are not to exceed one meter in height.
  • A means of thoroughly extinguishing the fire is available, ie: garden hose.
  • The fire does not create a nuisance to any other person.
  • The fire does not create a risk of damage to people or property.
  • Ensure that the fire is extinguished leaving only cold ashes before supervision of the fire ends.

Fire pits must meet the following requirements:

  • a minimum of three meters clearance shall be maintained from buildings, property lines, trees, overhead power lines, combustible fences or any combustible material;
  • installations must have enclosed sides made from bricks, concrete blocks, or heavy gauge metal, or other suitable non-combustible components;
  • has an open flame area not exceeding one meter at its widest point;
  • does not have walls which exceed .75 meters in height measured from the floor of the fire pit to the top of the wall excluding any chimney;
  • is set into bare ground or other noncombustible surface;
  • a spark arrestor mesh screen of 12 mm (1/2 inch) expanded metal (or equivalent) to contain sparks shall be provided over the fire.