Outdoor Burning

In spring, the dangers of burning increases due to the dry conditions. Keep the safety of your family, your property and your neighbours in mind before lighting an outdoor fire.

The St. John’s Regional Fire Department are often asked if open air burning or backyard fire pits are permitted. The answer is yes, but only in certain conditions.

Outdoor Fireplaces

Outdoor fireplaces are allowed without a permit if they are used safely and properly. Only burn seasoned wood in a fire pit. Never burn garbage or recyclables such as newspaper or cardboard; put those at the curb on your regular collection day. Also, make sure wind speeds are 25 kilometres per hour or less before you start a fire.

When using outdoor fireplaces, they must be:

• Installed according to the manufacturer’s instructions

Open Air Fires

An open-air fire is defined as a fire in any open place, yard, field or area, whether in a barrel or not. A permit is required for all open air burning.

There are strict regulations associated with open air burning. The biggest factor is meeting the required clearances of at least 15 metres from anything combustible.

If you are planning to conduct open air burning, please contact the Fire Prevention Division at 709-576-3905 or FirePrevention@StJohns.ca to arrange an inspection of your property so we can determine the safety requirements are met.

• Located at least three metres from any building, structure or other combustible material

• Capable of completely containing and enclosing the fire

• Equipped with a spark arrestor or a screen to prevent sparks and embers from escaping

• Placed on a firm, level surface with a non-combustible base beneath it that extends at least a half metre completely outside the perimeter of the fireplace

• Always supervised by an adult with access to a fire extinguisher, bucket of water or another water source while operating