Outdoor fire safety

Outdoor recreational fires

The City of Guelph prohibits outdoor recreational fires (e.g. fireplaces, fire pits, and chimineas).

Under the Ontario Fire Code, propane fuelled or natural gas fuelled appliances that simulate a campfire or fireplace are permitted, provided they meet the Technical Standards and Safety Act, 2000 and residents must install and use these appliances in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

Cooking outdoors

Open air burning is allowed if a person is cooking food on a grill, barbecue or spit. Such burning consists of a small, confined fire that is supervised at all times. Once cooking is finished, the fire must be put out. Please note: Cooking does not include roasting marshmallows or hot dogs.

If the fire department receives a complaint and responds to the address, the owner/tenant will be asked to put out the fire immediately unless provisions for a cooking fire are met.

Fireworks

In Guelph, fireworks displays are only permitted on:

• The day before and the day of Victoria Day (the last Monday before May 25)
• The day before and day of Canada Day (July 1)
• Diwali (either October or November depending on cycle of the moon)
• Other religious events approved by the Guelph Fire Department
• As permitted by the Guelph fire chief

Fireworks can be discharged on the permitted days between 9 a.m. and 11:59 p.m. The sale of fireworks is restricted to seven days prior to Victoria Day and Canada Day.

Fireworks safety

• Store fireworks in cool, dry place
• Only use fireworks outdoors, in open areas away from buildings, dry grass, and trees
• Do not use fireworks in high winds
• Keep the audience at least 12.1 metres (40 feet) away from the discharging area
• Keep an extinguisher or water nearby (garden hose or bucket)
• Light one firework at a time
• Get permission from the City before discharging fireworks on City property (parks)
• Dispose of fireworks properly by soaking them in water and then putting them in a trash can
• Keep pets safe during fireworks