Backyard Fire Pits

BACKYARD FIRE PITS - What You Need to Know

In the past, Kitimat Fire and Rescue Services responded to complaints about outdoor fires which were started in a variety of different configurations ranging from grass piles to outdoor brick fireplaces.  Until 2009, the Fire Department requested all fires that were not in approved barbecues, be extinguished.

Backyard fire pits are now permissible within the city limits of the District of Kitimat.

The District of Kitimat 's Bylaw #1, 2010 Backyard Fire Pit Regulation provides for residential fire pits within city limits subject to the following conditions:

  • Fires must be contained within a non-combustible receptacle constructed of cement, brick or metal and no more than 1 meter in diameter.
  • In Cablecar, Strawberry Meadows and Kitamaat Village Road properties fire pits shall be no more than 1.5 meters in diameter.
  • Fire Pits must be a minimum of 3 meters from any dwelling, structure, fence or standing timber.
  • Only cut, seasoned wood, charcoal or commercially fabricated fire place logs shall be burned in a Fire Pit.
  • All fires must be supervised by an adult at all times and extinguishment capabilities be within the immediate vicinity of the pit.
  • Fires are to be extinguished immediately if they are causing "an unreasonable interference with the use and enjoyment of another person's property".
  • Fires will be prohibited in fire pits when the Fire Department or the Ministry of Forest has  issued a Fire Ban for our area and will not be permitted until the ban has been lifted.
  • Fires must be extinguished immediately if a member of Kitimat Fire Rescue Services, RCMP Officer or a Bylaw Enforcement Officer  has directed you to do so.

The following items are not permitted to be burned in open fires within Kitimat City limits:

  • Rubbish
  • Garden refuse
  • Plastics
  • Any materials that will result in the production of dense, black smoke including:
    • insulation from electrical wiring or equipment,
    • asphalt roofing materials,
    • hydrocarbons, plastics, rubber materials or creosoted wood,
    • any material which will generate a foul odor, and
    • any material classified as a dangerous goods.

Residents must use common sense to ensure the safety of our community.  Please check with the Fire Department periodically during extreme heat and dry conditions to ensure a burn ban is not in effect.

Please contact the Fire Department at (250) 632-8940 if you have any questions regarding backyard fire pits.