With significant increased risk of outdoor fires, the Calgary Fire Department has issued a fire ban prohibiting the use of fire pits, recreational campfires, outdoor fire places, and other open flame devices that burn solid fuels, such as wood or briquettes.

“Calgary Fire has been closely monitoring all conditions throughout the summer,” says Deputy Chief Allan Ball. “Today’s fire ban reflects significant, increased risk of outdoor fires due to unseasonably dry ground conditions combined with high daytime temperatures.”

Moisture levels in outdoor grasses and other organic materials are at historically low levels throughout Calgary, one of several factors that Calgary Fire tracks as part of the Canadian Forest Fire Weather Indices.

“We don’t normally see outdoor grasses and ground cover this dry until late September or early October, after fall frost has dried and cured these available fuels,” notes Chief Ball. “These are extreme conditions and Calgarians should not use their backyard fire pits, recreational campfires, outdoor chimeneas or solid-fuel barbecues.”

Calgarians are asked to be especially cautious in the city’s natural areas and green spaces where there are dry grasses and shrubs as well as dried leaves covering parts of the ground. Remember to only dispose of smoking materials in proper ashtrays. The fire ban includes all City parks.

Under the fire ban, the following are prohibited:

Open fires

Fire pits

Outdoor chimeneas

Solid fuel barbecues and stoves (charcoal briquettes or wood)

Tiki torches

Fireworks and exploding targets

The following are currently allowed:

Portable propane fire pits that are CSA approved or UL certified.

Gas or propane stoves and barbeques that are CSA approved or UL certified.

Patio heaters (propane, catalytic or infrared/radiant)

Internal household fire places

Indoor open air fire permits

The fire ban will be in effect until further notice, when ground and weather conditions are no longer deemed a risk to health and safety.

For more information on Calgary fire bans and fire safety advisories, visit calgary.ca/firebans or contact 311. Remember to always call 9-1-1 to report a fire.