Burn Permits

Burning Permit Information

The City of Yellowknife Fire Division wishes to inform residents that burning permits and fire pit approvals are required prior to having a fire in your yard. This includes temporary and permanent fire pit inspections, burning of grass, and burning of brush due to land-clearing.

Unless you have an approved fire pit, or a burning permit, you are prohibited from burning within City limits. Burning without a permit will result in a fine. (By-law No. 4502)

Please refer to the following list, to determine what type of permit your require, and complete the Request for Burning Permit / Use of Fireworks form to arrange for a member of the Fire Division to perform an inspection (if needed) and issue the permit.

Class One (Brush)

Permits issued for the burning of brush and deadfall from development sites in the City
Extreme caution must take place to ensure residents are not negatively affected by products of combustion
Mandatory site inspection and approval must take place prior to burning
Permit issued for a maximum of 7 days

Class Two (Grass)

Permits issued for the burning of grass
No site inspection is required for the issuance of these permits
Only grass shall be burned; approval will not be given to burn brush, pallets or any other yard waste
A garden hose must be present for control of the burn
Burning will only be allowed if wind conditions allow for safe burning and smoke control
To stop if smoke is negatively affecting your neighbours
Burn a small area at a time
Pay for any cost if the fire has to be extinguished by the Fire Division.
Permit issued for a maximum of 3 days

Class Three (Recreational Fires / Fire Pits)

Permits issues for the burning of recreational fires
Mandatory use of an approved fire pit is required
Mandatory site inspections and approval must take place prior to burning; all criteria of the Fire Pit Information Sheet must be met in order for a burning permit to be issued
Temporary Permits are issued for a maximum of 3 days for Fire Pits
Permanent Fire Pit approvals are good for as long as you own the property

Fireworks

A permit is required for discharging fireworks within the City of Yellowknife. Permits are issued by the City of Yellowknife Fire Division. Please remember to:

Purchase fireworks from a reliable source
Always read and follow the label directions
Never experiment or make your own fireworks
Light only one firework at a time
Never re-light a "dud" firework (wait 15 to 20 minutes then soak it in a bucket of water or place it in the snow)
Never give fireworks to small children
Before disposing fireworks, first soak them in water
Never shoot fireworks in metal or glass containers
The person who ignites the fireworks should always wear eye protection and never have any part of his/her body over the fireworks