In Strathcona County, some fires need a permit, while others do not. Learn when you need a permit, how to get one and how to keep fires safe. 

As fires can produce smoke, please be considerate of your neighbours. 

Learn which fires need permits

Beyond requiring a permit, there are safety requirement and regulations you must follow for each type of fire. 

Apply for your permit

Apply online and track your application status at any time

Apply online now

Permit conditions

• Fire permits are valid for one year from the date of approval.
• Applications must be the legal landowner, or have written permission from the legal landowner to get a fire permit.
• Penalties may apply for burning without a permit or in violation of regulations.

Help applying

Please note, fire permits are no longer issued in-person. If you need help, contact Strathcona County Fire Prevention. 

• Phone: 780-449-9651  
• Email: fireprevention@strathcona.ca  

Call or text to check if you can burn

Fire permit holders must contact Strathcona County before every burn to see if burning is allowed. This is a 24-hour automated service. 

• NEW phone number! Call or text "BURN" to the Burning Status Line at 1-844-414-BURN(2876) to receive an immediate reply. 

If you are going to be burning for several hours, call back periodically to make sure it is still safe to continue.  The burning status may change based on current or forecasted environmental conditions in the County (including wind gusts over 25 km/hr or drying conditions). Conditions are monitored hourly between 6 a.m. and midnight. 

Your fire may affect visibility on nearby roads. If you can, place smoke signs to alert drivers.

Put your fire out

Fully extinguish a fire by soaking it with water, stirring it and soaking it again.

• If it’s warm, it isn’t extinguished.
• If it was a large burn pile, check it again in a couple days to make sure it is out. 

Embers and ash can smoulder. If it is dry and there is a gust of wind, a fire can reignite and get out of control very quickly.

What you can and cannot burn

Safety requirements

Different types of fires require different safety considerations. 

Recreational fire regulations

Recreational (backyard) fires must:

• be totally confined within a non-combustible structure with proper ventilation
• be covered with a screen (heavy gauge metal screen and mesh size no larger than 13 mm).
• have proper ventilation to prevent ash and other materials from escaping
• be placed at least three metres (10 feet) away from other combustible product such as a fence, house, garage, deck or trees.
• be used for recreational purposes only (cooking or warming up)
• be fuelled with clean dry wood only
  Burning garbage, leaves, straw or any other prohibited burning materials is not allowed.

Recreational fires are not allowed during a fire ban.

Brush pile regulations

• Brush piles must be at least 3 metres away from any other combustible material.
• If larger than 3 metres x 3 metres x 2 metres, please contact Fire Prevention to schedule a site inspection.
• Are only allowed in rural areas
• Need a permit
• Not allowed during a fire ban

Burn barrel regulations

The purpose of this type of fire is to burn brush, paper or cardboard in rural areas only.
You are not allowed to burn household waste. Learn about waste disposal options.

Burn barrels must:

• be confined within a non-combustible structure or container
• have draft and smoke vents
• be covered with a screen (heavy gauge metal screen and mesh size no larger than 13 mm).
• have proper ventilation to prevent ash and other materials from escaping

Burn barrels need a permit, and are not allowed during a fire ban.

Smudge fire

Used for protecting livestock from insects or gardens from frost, smudge fires:

• must be confined within a non-combustible structure or container
• are allowed in all rural areas on lands 2 acres or greater in size without a permit
• are not allowed during a fire ban.

Chiminea

To use a chiminea you must:

• ensure the front opening and the stack is be covered with a metal screen with a mesh size no larger than 13 millimetres
• place it at least 3 meters (10 feet) away from other combustible such as a fence, house, garage, deck or trees
• place it on a level, immovable, non-combustible surface
• insulate the bowl with sand or pea gravel to approximately 10 cm below the lower lip of the mouth so that the fire is not in direct contact with the clay.

Do not put your chiminea in a gazebo, on a wooden surface or in an enclosed porch.

Storage tips

Store your chiminea inside a shed or garage during the winter. The combination of freezing temperatures and moisture could cause it to crack. Place it on a pallet or pieces of wood so that air can circulate underneath.

Penalties for burning illegally

Any person who starts, fuels, supervises, maintains or allows an outdoor fire within the municipal boundaries of Strathcona County without a permit or in violation of burning regulations (e.g. during a fire ban) can be fined up to $2,000.

If the fire gets out of control and emergency fire response is required, the person responsible for the fire may be charged firefighting costs.

If your fire causes damage to others' property, you may also be responsible for the costs to repair the damage, whether you have a valid permit or not.

Review the Outdoor Fire Bylaw

Report concerns

Immediate danger to life or properties should be reported to 9-1-1.

For other complaints such as:

• excessive or toxic smoke,
• burning prohibited materials,
• burning improperly or
• burning during a fire ban or restriction.

Call Enforcement Services 24-hour complaint line at 780-467-7741.

Please provide the exact address of the complaint to assist with the investigation.  

Common questions

Can I have a recreational fire on my driveway?

We don’t recommend wood burning firepits to be placed on the driveway as it can cause damage to the concrete.

For propane or natural gas fuelled appliances, follow the manufacturer’s specifications.

My neighbour has recreational fires that produce a lot of smoke, what can I do?

We recommend speaking directly with your neighbour. They may be unaware of your concerns or unaware that they are only allowed to burn clean, dry wood. If you cannot come to a resolution, please call Enforcement Services at 780-467-7741.