Fire and Fireworks Permits

You can burn non-combustible debris such as:

• straw and stubble
• grass and weeds
• leaves, tree prunings, brush and fallen trees on newly cleared land or associated with logging operations
• wooden materials which do not contain preservatives

You cannot burn prohibited or combustible waste as they may release dense smoke, offensive odours or toxic substances. Prohibited waste includes:

• animal manure
• pathological waste
• non-wooden material
• waste material from building or construction sites, excluding wooden materials that do not contain preservatives
• combustible material in automobile bodies
• tires
• rubber/plastic, or anything coated with rubber /plastic or similar substances, except if attached to shredded scrap steel
• used oil
• wood/wood products containing preservatives

As per Bylaw Definitions:

"Acceptable Fire Pit" means an outdoor receptacle that meets the following specifications:

• a minimum of 3 meters clearance is maintained from any building, property line, or other combustible material when measured from the nearest fire pit edge in an area free of dry grass, brush, or combustible soil (peat moss);
• the fire pit height does not exceed 600 millimeters when measured from the surrounding grade to the top of the pit opening;
• the pit opening does not exceed 1.5 meter in width or in diameter when measured between the widest points or outer edges;
• is set upon or built into the bare ground or on a non-combustible material such as brick, stone or concrete;
• is not located over any underground utilities or below overhead wires; and
• the fire pit has enclosed sides made from brick, concrete blocks, heavy gauge metal, or other non-combustible material that is acceptable to the Fire Chief. 

provided that:

• only clean fuel is used such as natural gas, propane, dry wood, or charcoal;
• a means, acceptable to the Fire Chief, of controlling or extinguishing the fire is available on the Property and within reasonable distance from the fire;
• the fire is kept under control and supervised at all times by a responsible adult Person until such time that the fire has been completely extinguished; and
• flame height does not exceed 1 meter above the structure or container.

If burning within 1/2 KM (500m) of a Primary or Secondary highway, smoke signs are required

• Permittee may borrow (with refundable deposit) and post two (2) "smoke" signs to be posted along the highway from Parkland County or Alberta Transportation
• Signs must be placed for both directions of traffic to see the signs
• Additional signs may be required if burning close to an intersection
• Must get approval to place "smoke" sign(s) on the highway from Alberta Transportation at 780-963-5711

The Government of Alberta has produced a fact sheet for un-harvested and overwintered crops including potential downsides to crop burning.  If you are considering burning what is left of your crops before seeding this spring, please note the following:

BEFORE YOU BURN:

1. Call your insurer before you burn. Some insurers may want to inspect your crop as part of the claim process and burning the crop down prior to speaking with your insurer could negatively affect your ability to file a claim. Don't lose out on a potential claim payout!
2. Apply for a Parkland County fire permit. You are permitted to have an open burn with a permit for up to 90 days once the permit has been approved. 
3. Disc or cultivate around the burn area.  Be sure to have a tractor with a disc or a cultivator on hand - if you do not, talk to your neighbours and see if they have one you can borrow.
4. Consider plowing a fire guard around your field to prevent the fire from getting out of control.
5. Bale the crop so you can burn it in a controlled manner.