By Town of Ponoka

be safe!

Ponoka offers tips for building a proper fire pit

Apr 30, 2020 | 2:45 PM

With the arrival of warmer weather, it’s the time of year many people enjoy roasting hot dogs or marshmallows over a backyard fire pit.

As you grab your lawn chair and head to the backyard, Ponoka residents are encouraged to ensure their fire pit meets the following safety criteria for a proper fire pit under the Town’s Fire Protection Services Bylaw.

All fire pits are required to:

– be at least 3 metres from buildings, property lines, or anything else that could catch fire;

– be equal to or less than 0.6 metres (2 feet) high;

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– be equal to or less than 1 metre (3 feet) wide;

– have fully enclosed sides made of bricks, concrete blocks, heavy-gauge metal or other non-combustible materials;

– have a non-combustible mesh screen that covers the top of the fire pit with openings no larger than 1.25 cm (.5 inches) to stop sparks from flying out; and

– have a water hose, fire extinguisher or some other acceptable means of controlling or extinguishing the fire nearby.

Fire pits, barbecues and other acceptable outdoor appliances for cooking food or recreational burning are also required to burn clean fuel such as dry wood, charcoal, propane or natural gas.

Full details about fire pit requirements can be viewed in the Town’s Fire Protection Services Bylaw online.

Compost Your Yard Waste; Don’t Burn It

Ponoka residents are reminded that burning yard waste is not permitted within Town limits. Residents are encouraged to compost yard waste in their Green Carts which will be emptied weekly during the spring, summer and fall beginning May 6 through the Town’s curbside waste collection program. If you have any questions, please phone 403-783-4431.

Citizens are also encouraged to continue following provincial physical distancing requirements to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 while they’re outdoors enjoying the warm weather.

For information on provincial public health orders and directives on how you can help protect yourself and others against the spread of COVID-19, please visit www.alberta.ca/COVID19.