OT: Fire pit in back yard

[SandraC]

Hi all ~ I am considering purchasing a fire pit for my back yard. It's a small ceramic one from Walmart. I checked my fire regulations ~ we aren't quite at the distance from the house as they would like. We live in a townhouse. Do you have a fire pit? chiminea? What are your experiences with it? Thanks! Sandra

 

[sammi]

I know that we're not allowed any type of fire pit etc. unless we're using it for cooking purposes. So can you imagine us all sitting around the fire pit with a "slightly" burned weiner every night? We live in the town of Simcoe near Lake Erie and we're considered the country.I really like the new fire pits though.

 

[pxlbarrel]

Where do you live?

It's considered open air burning which is prohibited by the Ontario Fire Code unless you have permission from the municipality. (Exception is if you're using it to cook on...ie, a bbq)

 

[aGoofyMom]

Some Municipalities are passing by-laws allowing outdoor fireplaces, as they have become so popular. Check frequently. Even with the by-law they can and will shut you down if you have neighbours who complain, especially if they get sticky about the specifics of your local by-law regarding distance. If you know what to expect from your neighbours, then you will know what to expect if you get one. Most complaints for these things are related to smoke or flying embers. I am not up on the best kinds of wood, but if you can sort that out it would probably help you.

 

[pxlbarrel]

Remember one thing...if you're using one of these things and you're not supposed to be and somebody complains about a fire in your backyard, the fire department will send vehicles to your home and they may charge you for having to send them. It's not cheap.

And while some municipalities may be changing their bylaws, I'm not entirely sure there's a lot of them and even so, they may still require a permit based on use, how you burn, distance from house and neighbours, your environment, and even weather.

So, can't emphasize enough that you need to call your municipal offices before you go and buy a chiminea. A lot of places sell them not knowing people aren't supposed to use them (or they know and just aren't telling).