Fire Safety

Ignite safety, extinguish risk

Every year with the arrival of spring and summer, many of us are eager to light up our fire pits and start the barbecues. As these activities heighten the risk of accidental fires, it is crucial to exercise caution and responsibility when engaging in these activities.

Please consult the guidelines below for best practices in fire safety. The City appreciates your cooperation in keeping our community safe.

Go to outdoor fire rules

Fire bans and restrictions

When weather and conditions show there is an increased risk for fires, the City of Beaumont may put fire control measures in place to lower risk until conditions improve. One of three control measures may be implemented: a fire advisory, fire restriction or fire ban.

Active fire alerts are posted sitewide through the City of Beaumont Public Notices section.

View active public notices


A fire advisory is the first level of the City’s fire risk response. It means fire risk is high, and certain activities are not allowed within City limits. It is not a fire restriction or ban. During a fire advisory, the following activities are allowed, limited or not allowed:

Allowed
  • Wood burning fire pits on private or City-owned property with a valid permit
  • Wood burning outdoor fireplaces on private property with a valid permit
  • Using portable propane/natural gas/electric appliances like barbecues, portable fire pits, heaters, stoves, etc.
  • Open air fires, like bonfires or controlled burns
Limited
  • Fire permits may be restricted or suspended
Not allowed
  • Fireworks are prohibited (unless a permit is authorized by the Chief Administrative Officer to a licensed pyrotechnician)


A fire restriction is the second level of the City’s fire risk response. It means fire risk is high, and certain activities are not allowed within City limits. It is not a fire ban. During a fire restriction, the following activities are allowed, limited or not allowed:

Allowed
  • Wood burning fire pits on private or City-owned property with a valid permit
  • Wood burning outdoor fireplaces on private property with a valid permit
  • Using portable propane/natural gas/electric appliances, like barbecues, portable fire pits, heaters, stoves, etc.
Limited
  • Existing fire permits may be restricted, suspended or cancelled
  • No new fire permits are issued
Not allowed
  • Open air fires, like bonfires or controlled burns
  • Fireworks are prohibited (unless a permit is authorized by the Chief Administrative Officer to a licensed pyrotechnician)


A fire ban is the third and most serious level of the City’s fire risk response. It means fire risk is extreme, and there is a complete ban on burning or lighting any fires within city limits to protect homes, parks and structures. During a fire restriction, the following activities are allowed, limited or not allowed:

Allowed
  • Using portable propane/natural gas/electric appliances, like barbecues, portable fire pits, heaters, stoves, etc.
Limited
  • All existing fire permits are suspended
  • No new fire permits are issued
Not allowed
  • Wood burning fire pits on private or City-owned property with a valid permit
  • Wood burning outdoor fireplaces on private property with a valid permit
  • Open air fires, like bonfires or controlled burns
  • Fireworks are prohibited

When weather conditions have made it safe to cancel a fire advisory, ban or restriction, the notice will be removed from:

Resources

View our Fire Services page for more information >>

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Open Burn Fire Permit

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Fire Pit Permit

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Fire Education Resources For Children

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Outdoor Grilling Safety

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Cooking Safety

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Electrical Safety In Your Home

Electrical safety tips from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).

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Smoke Alarm Information

View all resources

Outdoor fire rules

Council passed a Fire Services Bylaw in 2026 to help protect Beaumont from wildfires and make fire safety rules clearer. The bylaw sets rules for fire pits, outdoor fireplaces, portable appliances, permits and fireworks. It also lists fines for violations.

Before lighting or burning any fire within city limits, check for current fire advisories, restrictions or bans.

If you notice an unsafe or out-of-control fire, phone 9-1-1 to report it immediately.

Most recreational and backyard fire pits need a fire permit. These rules apply to:

  • permanently installed fire pits
  • portable wood-burning fire pits
  • outdoor fireplaces
  • sunken firepits
  • permanent barbeque structures
  • chimeneas
  • wood-burning fire bowls

Location requirements

  • Be at least 3 metres from buildings, property lines, trees and anything that can burn.
  • Keep away from underground utilities and overhead wires.

Size and material requirements

  • Set the fire pit on, or build it into, a non-combustible surface such as brick, stone or concrete.
  • Use enclosed sides made from non-combustible materials such as brick, stone, concrete or heavy-gauge metal, or another material approved by the City of Beaumont.
  • Make the inside depth at least 30 centimetres from the ground to the top opening.
  • Keep the opening no more than 1 metre wide at its widest point.
  • For wood-burning fire pits, use a mesh screen or cover made from expanded metal or another non-combustible material. Openings in the screen must be 13 millimetres or smaller. Natural gas and liquid petroleum fire pits do not need a screen.
Apply for a Fire Pit Permit

City parks and recreational sites

City-owned fire pits installed at City parks and recreational sites in Beaumont can be used by anyone and do not require a permit. They are available on a first-come, first-served basis and do not need to be booked in advance.

Residents can bring their own gas, propane or electric portable appliances into City parks and recreational sites. These do not require a permit. See the portable appliance section for more information.

Outdoor fireplaces are permanent, freestanding structures made from non-combustible materials such as brick, stone or concrete. They have a chimney, vent and front opening. Outdoor fireplaces need a fire permit and must meet these requirements:

Location requirements

  • Be at least 1 metre from buildings, property lines, trees and anything that can burn.
  • Keep away from underground utilities and overhead wires.

Size and material requirements:

  • Use non-combustible, heat- and flame-resistant materials such as brick, stone or metal.
  • Have a chimney that is at least 2.5 metres high, measured from the base of the fire area.
  • Have a chimney screen that meets regulations and helps contain sparks.
  • Keep the base at least 30 centimetres above grade.
  • Have a fire chamber that is no wider than 1.25 metres and 40 to 60 centimetres deep.
Apply for a fire permit

Portable appliances, such as barbecues, grills and smokers, and natural gas/propane/electric portable fire pits, do not need a permit. When using them in Beaumont:

  • Keep the appliance at least 1 metre from anything that can burn, or follow the minimum clearance on the appliance’s rating plate.
  • Do not use it in an enclosed area or combustible building, including attached or detached garages and sheds.
  • Do not use it where signs say portable appliances are not allowed.
  • It can be used for temporary heating at an active construction site, including enclosed areas or combustible buildings, only if:
    • it follows the Safety Codes Act and related regulations and codes; and
    • it is installed and used according to the manufacturer’s instruction

Acceptable to Burn Prohibited to Burn
  • Natural wood
  • Wood without preservatives
  • Grass, weeds and straw
  • Non-wooden materials
  • Wood with preservatives, such as pressure-treated wood
  • Plastic, rubber, tires, etc.
  • Animal manure or carcasses
  • Household garbage
  • Leaves/shrubs

Fireworks are not allowed within city limits unless the CAO permits a licensed pyrotechnician to use them. Fireworks can cause fires, and lighting or setting off fireworks in Beaumont can result in large fines under Schedule A of the Fire Services Bylaw [pdf].

Open burning and open-air fires, including bonfires and controlled burns, need a fire permit within Beaumont city limits. Open burns may be restricted during a fire advisory and are prohibited during a fire restriction or fire ban.

Open burns/fires have specific permit requirements and restrictions – see the Fire Services Bylaw for details.

Apply for an Open Burn Fire Permit
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