Outdoor Fireplaces
Penticton & West Bench
As per section 9.01(c) of the Fire and Life Safety Bylaw 2004-57, persons making application to
construct a permanent outdoor fire place must:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Submit for approval a plot plan indicating location of fireplace along with the
drawing showing construction and dimensions.
The fireplace must be constructed in such a manner that limits the size of the fire
area to a maximum of 4000 cm/sq. (24”x 24”).
Fireplace must not be situated within 3 metres (10’) of combustibles or adjoining lot
line.
The chimney must extend at least 1 metre (3’) above any structure that is within 3
metres (10’) of the fireplace.
The chimney must be equipped with a 1 cm (1/2”) mesh spark arrestor and secured
with metal screws when necessary.
A final inspection will be done by fire department personnel and a final Inspection
Report will be issued at that time.
Site inspections cost $26.25
Applicants must be advised that the permanent outdoor fireplace is not to be used as a
domestic or commercial incinerator and Prohibited Burning Materials shall not be burnt. Only
dry, well-seasoned wood is acceptable. The Fire Chief under section 5.05 (b) can revoke any
permit where there is a violation of any condition or requirement of this bylaw.
Prohibited Burning Materials: means the burning of domestic, commercial, demolition,
renovation and construction waste materials listed in the Open Burning Smoke Control
Regulation of the Waste Management Act R.S.B.C 1996 c. 482 and amendments thereto and
without limiting the generality of the foregoing including the following:
-
leaves, grass and grass cuttings
tires
drywall
paint
treated lumber
manure
asphalt and asphalt products
-
wooden pallets
plastics
demolition waste
tar paper
railway ties
rubber
fuel and lubricant containers
N:\Fire Dept\Fire Operations Assistant\Forms\Permanent Outdoor Fireplaces 2015.docx
- biomedical waste
Outdoor Fireplaces
-
must be inspected by the fire department
burn only dry, well-seasoned fire wood
permanently secured to the ground
must have a chimney equipped with a 1cm (1/2”) spark arrestor
must be placed more than 3m (10’) from combustibles and your
property line
fire box no larger than 4000cm² (24”x 24”)
use according to manufacturer’s instructions
Submit a drawing showing the fireplace on your property along with a
drawing showing construction and dimensions of the fireplace.
Site inspections cost $26.25
Once your fireplace has been inspected follow these safe burning practices:
 Burn only dry, well-seasoned wood or use commercial fire logs or briquettes
 Never leave your fire unattended
 Be aware of the safety of children and pets
 Have a fire extinguisher or hose handy when using your fireplace
 Keep your fire small and watch for sparks
 Be considerate of your neighbours
 Check with the fire department at 250-490-2300 concerning fire bans
Other Outdoor Fireplaces and Barbecues
For safety reasons permanent or portable fireplaces or barbecues that do not
meet the regulations listed above can only be used for the preparation of
food and must use briquettes, propane or natural gas.
A site inspection is not required.
When using these types of outdoor fireplaces and barbecues follow
these safe burning practices:
 These fireplaces are intended for cooking only
 Never leave your fire unattended
 Be aware of the safety of children and pets
 Keep fireplaces well away from wooden fences or walls and
other combustibles
 Have a fire extinguisher or hose handy when using your BBQ
Penticton Fire Department
250 Nanaimo Avenue West
Penticton, BC V2A 1N5
Telephone: 250-490-2300
Email: fire@penticton.ca
N:\Fire Dept\Fire Operations Assistant\Forms\Permanent Outdoor Fireplaces 2015.docx