The Outdoor Fire

I lOVE the smell of roasting FOOD and the COMFORT of warming my toes near a fire during the summer.

With all the backyard fire options you can find at retailers these days, I’m convinced I’m not the only one :)




In the landscape design and construction business I have see the desire for them increase every year. A fire can draw people outside and can make a chilly night quite inviting.

If you’re planning to incorporate a fire pit in your landscape, the first thing to consider is whether your municipality allows for residential fires and what the regulations might be.

In the City of Lethbridge, you don’t need a permit for fire pits. A “fire pit” is defined as anything used for outdoor burning, such as a fire pit (permanently affixed receptacle), fireplace (enclosed receptacle with permanently affixed chimney or flue constructed of rock, brick, or other masonry), and a portable fire (fire bowls, tables, etc.).



A fire pit in Lethbridge must be 2m from a building, structure, or any other combustible material. They also need to be fully extinguished if left, not used between midnight and 8:00 a.m., and cannot be larger than 1m in size with flames no higher than 1m.

It should also be made of non- combustible material, and owners should not burn painted lumber, glue, resin, wet wood, yard waste, garbage, rubber, or plastic. The smells and harm that can come from burning these things is unpleasant and probably won’t make for very happy neighbours.

You can find more information regarding the City of Lethbridge fire bylaw in Bylaw #5431 at lethbridge.ca.

You can also decide whether you want to use gas or wood to create the fire (gas will require a city permit and inspection) and whether you want to cook food on the fire or just enjoy the warmth. This will help you choose what style of fire receptacle would work best for you.

One suggestion I make to clients is to use a portable fire, especially if you have only one patio or gathering space. Installing a permanent fire pit definitely limits your options. It’s handy to be able to move the portable fire aside when not in use to set out an extra table or two for larger gatherings.

I’m sure looking forward to cooking and gathering around the fire this summer. Have fun and be safe!

Kirsten