Keeping Wrenford parks safe from fire
Parks and trails are beautiful places to spend time in Wrenford, but dry weather and wind can quickly increase the risk of fire. Whether you are visiting Riverside Flats Park, the Tamsin River Trail System, or a local neighbourhood park, following these guidelines helps keep you, your neighbours, and our urban forest safe.
Rules for visitors in parks
When you visit a City park or trail, please follow these basic fire safety rules:
- No smoking in parks or on trails.
- Stay on designated trails and paths at all times.
- Do not build campfires or leave unattended fires.
- Watch for fire hazard signs at park entrances. Heed any posted notices about high fire danger.
Barbecues and grills
Grilling is allowed in most parks as long as you use designated picnic sites. Keep these safety steps in mind:
- Place your barbecue at least 75 centimetres (29.5 inches) off the ground.
- Always have a source of water nearby to put out flare-ups.
- After cooking, douse your barbecue with cold water until it is completely cool before packing it away.
- Do not grill on sandy beach areas.
- Clean up all ashes and charcoal completely before you leave.
Fire pits and outdoor fireplaces
If a park allows fire pits, or if you are using a portable fire pit in a permitted area, you must follow these rules:
- Keep fire pits at least 2 metres away from property lines, houses, garages, fences, trees, or overhanging branches.
- Use a metal mesh screen or spark guard. The openings in the screen must not be larger than 1.5 centimetres.
- Only burn clean, dry firewood that you bought locally. Do not burn treated wood, painted wood, garbage, rubber, plastic, or yard waste.
- Keep the fire small—no higher or wider than 1 metre.
- Never leave a fire unattended. A responsible adult must watch it the entire time.
- Fire pits are only allowed between 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m.
Fire bans and smoke complaints
During dry spells, the City may declare a fire ban. When a ban is in effect, no open fires, barbecues, or fire pits are allowed. Check for posted notices or call 311 for the latest status.
Smoke from outdoor fires can bother your neighbours and affect their health. If your fire is producing too much smoke, or if you see an unattended fire in a park, call 311. If a fire is out of control and spreading, call 9-1-1 immediately.
Get a seasonal burning permit
If you live in Wrenford and want to burn yard waste or use an open fire at your home, you need a seasonal open-air burning permit. The permit is valid from April 1 to October 31 each year. You can apply online or visit the administration counter at Wrenford City Hall.
Contact us
For more information about fire prevention or to report a fire safety concern in a park, contact Fire Station 1 (Headquarters) at 519-555-0115.
Wrenford Fire Rescue is committed to keeping our parks open and safe for everyone. Thank you for helping us protect our community.