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Lethbridge backyard fire-pit rules and complaints
Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada
A compliant backyard fire pit does not need a Lethbridge permit, but fire bans, location, wood, hours and wind restrictions still apply.
Key information
A compliant backyard fire pit does not need a Lethbridge permit, but fire bans, location, wood, hours and wind restrictions still apply.
On this page
Site and construction requirements
Use a non-combustible pit or portable fire receptacle. A pit in the ground must sit in bare ground or on non-combustible material such as brick or stone. Keep at least 1.5 metres from property lines, buildings and fences, and do not place a fire under branches or other combustible materials.
The City says the fire must be less than one metre in height at its widest point. Keep a means of extinguishing it on hand and fully put it out so the ashes are cold before leaving.
Sources: Official Lethbridge backyard fire-pit rules and complaints information
Fuel, wind and hours
Only clean dry firewood is allowed. Do not burn yard waste, leaves, brush, garbage, treated or painted lumber, glue or resin products, wet wood, rubber, plastic or animal material.
Do not burn between 1:30 a.m. and 8 a.m., or when wind is blowing or gusting at 30 km/h or more. A fire ban overrides ordinary backyard permission. Check current bans before lighting.
Sources: Official Lethbridge backyard fire-pit rules and complaints information
Neighbours and reporting
Place a metal screen or grill over the pit to reduce escaping sparks and flame size. Consider the effect of smoke on nearby people and property. A permit exemption does not excuse a nuisance or unsafe fire.
Report an illegal fire pit at 403-327-3333. General Fire Prevention questions go to fireprevention@lethbridge.ca or 403-320-3811. The page lists $150 penalties for prohibited hours, material, wind, a fire ban or other non-compliance.
Sources: Official Lethbridge backyard fire-pit rules and complaints information
Quick reference
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Permit for compliant backyard pit | Not required |
| Minimum separation | 1.5 metres from property line, building or fence |
| Prohibited hours | 1:30 a.m. to 8 a.m. |
| Wind restriction | No burning at gusts or wind of 30 km/h or above |
| Allowed fuel | Clean dry firewood only |
| Illegal fire-pit reporting | 403-327-3333 |
Sources: Official Lethbridge backyard fire-pit rules and complaints information
Steps to follow
- Check
Confirm bans, weather and the pit’s separation.
- Burn correctly
Use clean dry wood and keep extinguishing tools ready.
- Put out
Ensure the fire and ashes are completely cold before leaving.
Sources: Official Lethbridge backyard fire-pit rules and complaints information
Questions and answers
Do I need a permit for a compliant backyard fire pit?
No, but the City Open Burning Bylaw still applies.
Source: Official Lethbridge backyard fire-pit rules and complaints information
How far must the pit be from a fence or building?
At least 1.5 metres.
Source: Official Lethbridge backyard fire-pit rules and complaints information
Can the fire be under tree branches?
No.
Source: Official Lethbridge backyard fire-pit rules and complaints information
What fuel is allowed?
Clean dry firewood only.
Source: Official Lethbridge backyard fire-pit rules and complaints information
Can I burn leaves or yard waste?
No.
Source: Official Lethbridge backyard fire-pit rules and complaints information
What hours prohibit burning?
1:30 a.m. through 8 a.m.
Source: Official Lethbridge backyard fire-pit rules and complaints information
What is the wind limit?
Do not burn when wind or gusts reach 30 km/h or more.
Source: Official Lethbridge backyard fire-pit rules and complaints information
Can I burn in a fire ban because no backyard permit is needed?
No. The fire ban still applies.
Source: Official Lethbridge backyard fire-pit rules and complaints information
What condition is required before leaving the fire?
It must be fully extinguished and the ashes cold.
Source: Official Lethbridge backyard fire-pit rules and complaints information
Where should an illegal fire pit be reported?
Call 403-327-3333.
Source: Official Lethbridge backyard fire-pit rules and complaints information