Fires that require a permit
The following types of fires require a permit. These types of fires are applicable in rural areas only. Prior to each burn, residents must call 780-464-8464 to confirm that weather and fire hazard conditions allow for burning and that their fire permit is valid.
- Open fires
An open fire is defined as any fire which is not an incinerator (burn barrel) fire, pit fire, public park site fire or smudge fire. Grass fires, brush fires, bonfires and recreational fires without a screen in place fall under this definition.
Open fires are allowed in rural areas only with a valid fire permit.
- Incinerator (burn barrel) fires
An incinerator fire is defined as any fire that is confined within a non-combustible structure or container that has the draft and smoke vents thereof covered with a heavy guage metal screen having a mesh size no larger than 13 mm and which is ventilated in such a manner as to preclude the escape of combustible materials including ash.
This fire is set for the purpose of burning household refuse (paper or cardboard), with the exception of prohibited burning materials.
Incinerator (burn barrel) fires are allowed in all rural areas on lands greater than 5 acres in size with a valid fire permit. For alternatives to burning your household refuse, please refer to the Enviroservice events, conducted by Strathcona County Utilities.
In Strathcona County, burning barrells have been the cause of many fires. Most of the time, the problem is a dilapidated barrell (rotten 45 gallon drum with deteriorated screen) releasing hot ash onto dry ground. Typically, we see these fires in the spring and fall. Please ensure your incinerator or burn barrell is maintained in a safe manner.
- Stubble burning
Stubble burning is rarely permitted. Permits for this purpose are issued by Transportation and Agriculture Services, 780-417-7100.Bylaw 50-2003 provides further details.
- Ground-thaw burning
In order to improve safety, minimize health concerns and reduce environmental impacts, Emergency Services strongly encourages the use of portable hydronic heaters when ground thawing in commercial or residential sites is required. However, if burning is contemplated to achieve ground thawing, the following terms and conditions are to be followed after a fire permit has been obtained:- Ambient conditions, including wind direction and speed, must be taken into consideration prior to and during the burn. If the burn will create unsafe conditions, the fire must be delayed or extinguished.
- Ground thawing fires are only allowed between 0900 hrs and 1900 hrs (9 a.m. to 7 p.m.) unless otherwise stipulated on the permit.
- There must be a 24 hour surveillance of the burn site.
- Ambient conditions, including wind direction and speed, must be taken into consideration prior to and during the burn. If the burn will create unsafe conditions, the fire must be delayed or extinguished.
- Ground-thawing fires are only allowed between 09:00 hrs and 19:00 hrs (9 a.m. - 7 p.m.) unless otherwise stipulated on the permit.
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There must be a 24-hour surveillance of the burn site.
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A fire safety plan must be provided with the ground thawing permit application, including:
- the type of burn site surveillance to be used
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the method of fire extinguishment to be used
- The company name and 24 hour contact number must be clearly posted on the burn site.
- The burn must be secured with flashing lights and barricades if the site is located on a roadway, sidewalk or below grade.
- Residents and businesses within 150 m radius of the ground thawing operation must be notified of the burn a minimum of three (3) days prior to ignition.
- Only sub-bituminous or higher grade coal may be used as fuel.
- A propane torch is the only source of ignition permitted.
- A protective covering over the coals must be utilized throughout the ground-thaw process, starting with ignition.
- Once thawing has been completed, the site must be returned to pre-burn conditions.
Upon special application to the Fire Marshal, this type of burn may be allowed within restricted burning areas.
When you are burning...
- the discomfort of neighboring properties must be considered
- visibility on adjacent roads, particularly if you are within 800 m of a primary or secondary highway, must be considered
- brush piles should not exceed 3 m x 2 m x 2m in size with 10 m between piles; if larger, these must be inspected by the Fire Marshal prior to burning
- brush piles should have a minimum 30 m distance from any other combustible
Further information:
780-449-9651
fireguardian@strathcona.ab.ca
Last updated: Thursday, December 22, 2011
Page ID: 2339