Seasonal Tips

• Pay strict attention to campfire bans.
• Build your campfire on a safe location - designated fire pit, stone surface or bare ground.
• Clear the area around your campfire of all debris for at least one meter in all directions.
• Keep the fire small.
• The campfire should be a safe distance from trees, shrubs and dry grass - look up for overhanging trees.
• Never leave the campfire unattended. A sudden breeze could spread the fire.
• Keep a supply of water, and a shovel, near the campfire.
• Make sure the campfire has been completely extinguished. The ashes should be soaked thoroughly with water to make sure they won't re-ignite.

Everyone Enjoys a Barbecue - Do it Safely!

Every year in Ontario, people are injured needlessly while lighting their barbecues.

The correct way to light your propane barbecue is to open the lid and strike your match or barbecue lighter before turning on the gas. When you are finished barbecuing, turn off the propane cylinder valve and then the barbecue burners. 

Always use and store your barbecue and propane cylinder outdoors. 

For information about cleaning and maintaining your barbecue, read the manufacturer's instructions. 

Heating Equipment:  Time for a Checkup!

Your furnace, fireplace or woodstove need yearly checkups to ensure they operate safely and efficiently. Heating appliances should be cleaned and inspected annually to prevent fires and deadly carbon monoxide gas in your home.

Contact a qualified service technician to clean and inspect your furnace, fireplace or woodstove.

A message from the Fire Marshal's Public Fire Safety Council and the Pickering Fire Services.

Propane Cylinders - 
Safe Transportation, Use and Storage

Propane is gas commonly used to fuel barbeques, outdoor heaters and other appliances. Heat, sparks or flame can easily ignite propane. It is important to follow the safety tips provided below to ensure safe use, transportation and storage of propane cylinders.

When Transporting Propane Cylinders...

• Close the valve and insert the safety plugs, even if the cylinder is empty.
• Stand the cylinder upright in a well-ventilated area.
• Always set the cylinder down gently - never drop or bump it.
• Always secure the cylinder when transporting in vehicles. The cylinder or valve can be damaged if it is rolling around. Try storing them in plastic milk crates for stability.
• Never leave cylinders in a vehicle for extended periods of time, especially in hot weather.
• Keep cylinders away from heat or flame.
• When Using A Propane Cylinder...
• Place the cylinder on a firm base and secure it in place, away from excessive heat. Follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer of the appliance you are using (BBQ, outdoor heater etc.)
• After you have connected the cylinder, check for leaks. Open the cylinder valve and then use soapy water to check for leaks or a leak detector - never use matches or open flames.
• Always use a pressure-reducing regulator.

When You Are NOT Using Your Propane Cylinder...

• Close the cylinder valve and insert the safety plugs, even if the cylinder is empty.
• Place it in a secure, upright position away from open flames or excessive heat.
• Store your cylinder outdoors in a well-ventilated area when not in use.

Outdoor Fireplaces

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Outdoor style fireplaces currently sold in the Pickering area such as the "Back Yard Max" (a steel firebox with a screened opening and short vent stack) and the "Chiminea" (a large clay fire pot with an opening for a fuel load and a short vent stack) are not permitted to be used in the City of Pickering.

These units have been designed to be used as open-air burning appliances. Open air burning (including fire pits) is not permitted within the City of Pickering and is enforceable under Ontario Fire Code Article 2.6.3.4. The maximum fine for contravention of the Ontario Fire Code is $50,000 or one year in jail, or both.

Concerns regarding the use of these devices include: injury to persons coming into contact with the appliances hot surfaces, fire exposure hazards from sparks/embers for both the users and neighbors property and adjacent trees, grass and weeds. The use of these devices will generate needless alarms for the City of Pickering Fire Services.

Outdoor Natural Gas and Propane Fire Pits

However, if you would still like to enjoy an outdoor campfire without contravening the Ontario Fire Code, there is another product on the market. Some manufacturers (Napoleon is one of them) make a natural gas / propane fire pit. It comes with artificial logs like you would find in an indoor gas fireplace and produces an actual flame. Because the appliances are CSA/ULC approved they may be used.

The gas fire pits are considered to be an appliance. An appliance as defined in the Ontario Fire Code is a device to convert fuel into energy, and includes all components, controls, wiring and piping required to be part of the device by the applicable standard referred to in the Ontario Fire Code.

The Ontario Fire Code regulates solid fuel burning appliance use and general fire safety. The use of gaseous fuel burning appliances is regulated by the TSSA. TSSA's Fuels Safety Program administers the Technical Standards & Safety Act 2000, providing fuel-related safety services associated with the safe transportation, storage, handling and use of hydrocarbon fuels (such as gasoline, diesel, propane and natural gas).

Under this Act, TSSA regulates fuel suppliers, storage facilities, transport trucks, pipelines, contractors and equipment or appliances that use fuels. They also work to protect the public, the environment and property from fuel-related hazards such as spills, fires and explosions.

The CSA/ULC approved gas fuelled fire pits are approved for use in Canada, and may be used provided:

1. The manufactures installation, operating, care and use instructions must be followed exactly. Failure to follow the instructions exactly may result in a fire, explosion, property damage, personal injury or death.

2. Ontario Fire Code Article 2.4.4.4. states that devices having open flames shall be securely supported in non-combustible holders and located or protected so as to prevent accidental contact of the flame with combustible materials.

3. Clearance to Combustibles - The minimum clearance to combustible materials as specified in the operating instructions must be maintained at all times

4. Supervision - The operator must keep the unit under constant supervision when in use.

5. Provisions for fire protection - Provide an adequate extinguishing agent (fire extinguisher/pail of water/garden hose).

6. Instructions and care - the owner/operator must have a copy of the manufacturers operating instructions on site and available for review.

For further information please contact the Pickering Fire Services at 905.839.9968, or, email fire@cityofpickering.com for more information.