The City of Winnipeg has established revised standards and requirements for all portable barbeques regulated under the Fire Prevention By-law.
These revisions include specific new requirements for residential barbeques in various receptacles such as hibachis, portable electric, propane, natural gas or charcoal briquette barbeques.
Due to new safety features required, the regulations prohibiting propane barbeques on combustible balconies of multi-family dwellings and near buildings have been revised.

Will I require a permit?

NO. A permit will not be required to operate a portable barbeque that is fuelled, operated and maintained in conformance with the manufacturer's instructions.

What are my responsibilities?

A person in charge of a portable barbeque must ensure that it is:

• Operated only out of doors in a well ventilated area; (operation inside an attached or detached garage with the overhead door open is not acceptable!)
• Not operated within 1m (39”), or such greater distance as may be indicated by the manufacturer of the portable barbeque, of combustible materials
• When lit is maintained under constant adult supervision.

What clearances are required?

No person may operate a portable barbeque within 6.25 m (20 feet) of any building unless it is located in the yard of a single family dwelling and/or:

• Uses electricity as a heat source
• Uses propane as fuel and is equipped with a Quick Connect Coupling Valve (Q.C.C.1.) designed to prevent propane from flowing until the valve is properly connected and an Overfill Protection Device (O.P.D.) that is designed to prevent the propane cylinder from being over- filled
• Uses natural gas and is maintained in conformance with the manufacturers instructions

Can I use a barbeque on my balcony, patio, or deck?

YES. It is permissible to barbeque on the balcony, patio or deck (combustible or non-combustible) of a multiple family dwelling, provided that the barbeque uses electricity, propane or natural gas as a fuel source but not solid fuel such as wood or charcoal briquettes.

Storage of propane cylinders

The owner of a propane storage cylinder designed for use on a portable barbeque and the occupant of the premises on which the cylinder is located must ensure that, whether attached to a portable barbeque or not, the cylinder is;

• Kept upright at all times
• Closed at the valve when not used
• Not stored in a vehicle, building or below grade
• Unless attached to a portable barbeque, not stored within 2 m (6.5 feet) of a portable barbeque.

Propane cylinders on balconies

The owner of a propane storage cylinder and the occupant of the premises must ensure that such cylinders are only stored on a balcony if;

• The balcony is not enclosed by screen or glass
• No more that two 20 lb. tanks are stored on any balcony, including the tank attached to the barbeque
• Tank valves aren't closer than 900 mm (3 feet) from any door or window that is lower than the valve.

Where can I get further information?

Further information may be obtained at any Fire Department Station. It is advised you visit the nearest one in your area, as the portable barbeque site may require an inspection and approval by the City.