Burning permits and fire pit approvals are required prior to having a fire in your yard. This includes temporary and permanent fire pits, burning of grass, and burning of brush due to land-clearing, if weather conditions allow.
Unless you have an approved City of Yellowknife fire pit permit or a burning permit, you are prohibited from burning within City limits. Burning without a permit will result in a $200 fine under By-law No. 4502.
Please refer to the following list to determine what type of permit you 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)
- This type of permit is required for the burning of brush and deadfall from development sites in the City
- Mandatory site inspection and approval must take place prior to burning
- Permit issued for a maximum of 7 days
Class Two (Grass)
- This type of permit is required for the burning of grass
- No site inspection is required
- 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
- Burning must stop if smoke is negatively affecting your neighbours
- Only a small area can be burned at a time
- Will be required to pay for any costs if the fire requires the Fire Division
- Permit issued for a maximum of 3 days
Class Three (Recreational Fires/Fire Pits)
- This type of permit is required 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 for a burning permit to be issued
- Temporary Permits are issued for a maximum of 3 days
Note: Permanent Fire Pit approvals are valid for as long as you own the property.