Sitting around the backyard fire pit is a popular summer activity. If you’re planning a backyard bonfire, always make sure to do it safely.
You should only burn clean, dry, unpainted and untreated wood. Burning yard waste – including grass, leaves, or tree trimmings is prohibited.
Since it's easy for flames to spread when conditions are not ideal, it's important for backyard fires to be kept under control at all times. This means always having a way to put out the fire close by if you need it. A few options include a water hose or bucket of sand.
Where to put your fire pit
Fire pits must be three metres (10 feet) away from anything that can catch on fire. This includes homes, fences, decks, or garages. Fire pits should not be placed on a wooden deck.
All fire pits must have a spark arrestor. This is a mesh grate that prevents sparks from flying up out of the fire pit. Make sure your approved fire pit receptacle meets bylaw regulations and review the guidelines.
When you can't have a fire
Depending on the weather, you might not be allowed to have a fire.
Our bylaws state burning – even in approved fire pits – is not allowed if wind speeds exceed 25 kilometres per hour.
It also isn't allowed when an open-air fire ban is in effect for Winnipeg.
Our City, Our Podcast
Hear more fire prevention tips from Doug Sinclair, Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service Public Education Coordinator. He joined the October 2025 episode of Our City, Our Podcast.