Current Status: There is no active fire ban in place.
Always exercise caution when burning. To ensure a fire is completely extinguished, soak the area, stir the ashes, and soak it again, repeating this process until all materials are cold to the touch.
Last Modified: March 16, 2026
When fire hazard conditions are extreme, the City of Edmonton may issue a fire restriction or a fire ban to protect life and property.
What is a Fire Restriction?
During a fire restriction, the City prohibits fireworks and open burning, including bonfires and controlled burns. You can still use backyard fire pits, as long as they meet Community Standards Bylaws. You can also use BBQs and cooking stoves.
What is a Fire Ban?
During a fire ban, the City prohibits fireworks and all outdoor fires, including those in fire pits. This ban covers fire pits in parks and backyards, along with gas and propane-fueled fire pits and devices. The City also prohibits the use of BBQs and smokers that run on solid fuels like wood, charcoal, pellets, or briquettes.
You can still use gas and propane BBQs during a fire ban. However, you must supervise them at all times and place them a safe distance away from buildings and combustible materials.
Open Burning
You must obtain an Open Air Burn Permit for any kind of open burning, including controlled burns and traditional bonfires. For more information, see Part IV of the Community Standards Bylaw. Call 311 to find out how to obtain a permit.
Fireworks and Pyrotechnics
Only professionals with an approved permit from Edmonton Fire Rescue Services may use fireworks and pyrotechnics. Learn more about how to apply for a fireworks or pyrotechnics permit.
Enforcement
Edmonton Fire Rescue Services (EFRS) works with Edmontonians to keep everyone safe. During a fire ban or restriction, EFRS emphasizes compliance over enforcement. However, if your actions cause a fire or endanger life, property, or the environment, you could face fines and fees.
Edmonton's Community Standards Bylaw has no leeway on outdoor fire pits during a fire ban; all outdoor fire pits are prohibited, including gas and propane fuelled devices.
When Do I Need a Permit?
You need a permit to discharge fireworks within the City of Edmonton. You also need a permit to do any kind of open burning. Call 311 to find out how to obtain a permit.
Remember, no permits are required for backyard fire pits that meet the Community Standards Bylaw, cooking stoves, fireplaces or BBQs.
How to Report Non-compliance
We encourage the public to politely communicate the non-compliance to the individual, as most of these instances occur because of a lack of awareness.
Call 911 if the individual continues the behaviour.
How Fire Hazards are Measured
Edmonton Fire Rescue Services uses a tool called the Fire Weather Index System to measure and forecast fire hazard conditions in Edmonton. It is based on weather data and takes into account everything from temperature and wind conditions to relative humidity and moisture levels in the ground.
See also: Wildfire Prevention and Education.