Due to a major water main break and Level 4 water restrictions in the City of Calgary the Calgary Fire Department (CFD) has issued a city wide fire restriction prohibiting the use of fire pits, recreational campfires, outdoor fireplaces and other open flame devices that burn solid fuels, such as wood or briquettes including solid fuel smokers and BBQs.

Hot works (including, but not limited to, soldering, welding, brazing, grinding) is permitted in existing, occupied buildings where work is already underway and in existing, occupied buildings where work is needed to maintain the safety of the building and/or the health and safety of residents.

All hot work and roof work, including new construction, is permitted provided the following is in place:

1. Hot work shall be carried out in an area free of combustible and flammable contents. If walls, ceilings or floors are present, they are of noncombustible construction or lined with noncombustible materials.
2. When it is not practicable to undertake hot work in an area described above,
   a) combustible and flammable materials within a 15 m distance from the hot work shall be protected against ignition,
   b) a continuous fire watch shall be provided during the hot work and for a period of not less than 60 min after its completion
   c) a final inspection of the hot work area and adjacent exposed areas shall be conducted 4 h after completion of the work

Where there is a possibility of sparks or open flames reaching combustible materials in areas adjacent to the area where hot work is carried out all openings in walls, floors or ceilings shall be covered or closed to prevent the passage of sparks or open flames to such adjacent areas.

The following hot works are still prohibited:

• Hot works with an open flame torch (torch on roofing), or with bitumen/tar kettles on new construction, where fire separations and assemblies are not complete; and
• All indoor hot works in new construction, where fire separations and assemblies are not complete; and
• All open flame permits are cancelled until further notice and will be reviewed on a case by case basis to permit operation.

The following are currently allowed:

• Gas, electric or propane stoves, smokers and barbeques that are CSA approved or ULC certified for cooking purposes
• Approved commercial solid fuel cooking appliances. (e.g. BBQ and Pizza establishments/vendors)
• Ceremonial events with an approved CFD permit
• Work such as welding and metal cutting that takes place in fabrication shops
• Open flame in laboratories for items such as Bunsen burners is permitted

Under the fire ban, the following are prohibited:

• Open fires
• Propane/natural gas fire pits
• Outdoor chimeneas
• Recreational solid fuel barbecues and stoves (charcoal briquettes or wood)
• Tiki torches
• All fireworks permits will be reviewed on a case by case basis
• All indoor and open-air flame fires require an approved CFD permit and will be reviewed on a case by case basis

CFD considers a number of factors when evaluating the need for a fire ban and the health and safety of Calgarians is the primary goal.

The fire restriction includes all parks in the city.

The fire restriction will be in effect until further notice.

For more information on Calgary fire bans and fire safety advisories, visit calgary.ca/firebans or contact 311. Remember to always call 9-1-1 to report a fire.

A fire safety advisory is issued to inform citizens of conditions that pose a moderate to high fire risk. It's usually issued before the conditions result in a fire ban. It may be issued for short-term conditions. These include major wind events, unusually dry conditions, or hot temperatures.

Even if weather conditions change, a fire safety advisory may remain in place. This is because there's still an increased fire danger. The Calgary Fire Department continuously monitors weather forecasts and conditions. This is to ensure Calgary is prepared for any change in fire risk. We'll update the status of a fire safety advisory or fire ban as needed.