AIRDRIE, ALBERTA – As the weather continues to improve and many families are practicing responsible social distancing by remaining in their homes, the use of backyard fire pits is on the rise.
The Airdrie Fire Department (AFD) does not anticipate the need to restrict the use of backyard fire pits, but would like to educate the community about their safe and respectful use.
Steps to support an enjoyable fire pit experience:
• Be responsible and reasonable when having any backyard fire
• Before using your fire pit, familiarize yourself with optimal wind conditions and take precautions to prevent smoke from disturbing your neighbours
• Talk to neighbours to determine what potential concerns they may have to share regarding your backyard fire
• Only burn clean, dry and untreated wood as fuel
• Keep the height of your fire safe and manageable
• Never leave your fire unattended
• Always have an effective means available to extinguish your fire (water, sand, ABC fire extinguisher)
• Place a metal spark arrestor on top of the fire pit to reduce the flame's size and prevent sparks and embers from escaping
Steps to report a fire pit concern:
• If you have a health or safety concern due to a backyard fire pit, call 9-1-1 for assistance
• Fire department personnel will attend the scene and will investigate and mitigate the incident as required
For more information, please visit www.airdrie.ca/firepits
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Media contact:
Deputy Chief Ken Hubbard
403.948.8800 ext. 7889