Reminder: Open Air Fires Require a Permit in the City of St. John’s

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The City of St. John's and the St. John's Regional Fire Department are reminding residents that open air fires within city limits require a permit unless they meet the requirements for an approved outdoor wood burning appliance.

This reminder comes following recent reports of fires in wooded areas and concerns about fire safety as warmer weather approaches.

An open air fire includes fires such as bonfires, brush fires, backyard burning, campfires or any fire that is not fully enclosed in an approved appliance.

Even small fires can spread quickly, especially in wooded areas or dry conditions. Residents are encouraged to use caution, follow regulations and ensure all fires are fully extinguished before leaving the area.

Open Air Fire Permits

Residents must obtain a permit from the St. John's Regional Fire Department before lighting an open air fire.

To qualify for a permit:

• Fires cannot exceed 1.5 square metres
• Only one fire may burn at a time
• Fires must be at least 15 metres from brush, debris and other combustible materials
• Fires must be supervised at all times with water or firefighting equipment available on site

Please note that a permit from Newfoundland and Labrador Department of Forestry, Agriculture and Lands may also be required, even if a permit from the St. John's Regional Fire Department is not required.

Check Fire Risk Levels Before Burning

Residents are encouraged to regularly check the Provincial Fire Hazard Map provided by the Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture and follow all associated fire safety guidelines.

Before lighting a backyard fire or using a Permit to Burn issued by the St. John's Regional Fire Department, it is important to understand the current fire risk level, as elevated fire risk conditions may restrict both open air fires and backyard fires. Fires are not permitted during high, very high or extreme fire risk conditions or when winds exceed 20 km.

Approved Outdoor Wood Burning Appliances

A permit is not required for approved outdoor wood burning appliances, such as compliant backyard fire pits, when all regulations are followed.

These appliances must:

• Be enclosed and equipped with a spark screen or mesh cover
• Be located at least 4.5 metres from buildings or combustible materials
• Be placed on a non-combustible surface
• Be attended at all times by someone 18 years of age or older
• Be fully extinguished before being left unattended

Residents are reminded that children and youth under 18 should never have an unsupervised fire.

Report and Issue

If you witness unauthorized burning activity, please contact Access St. John's by calling 311 or (709) 754-CITY (2489), email [email protected] or submit an inquiry online at StJohns.ca/Access. If the fire you are reporting poses an immediate safety concern, call 911 immediately.

You can also report illegal activity to the Department of Forestry, Agriculture and Lands, Resource Enforcement Division: 1-877-820-0999 or online at stoppoaching.ca.