Whether it’s the first days of spring or a chilly fall evening, enjoying your backyard with the help of a firepit or barbecue is a great way to get everyone outside and make the most of your outdoor space. There’s nothing quite like an evening spent sitting around a fire with good company and good food.
But before lighting up the barbecue or gathering around the firepit, it’s important to take proper precautions.
Understanding the local laws around firepits
Before you get started on a building a wood-burning firepit in your backyard, check your municipality’s bylaws around wood-burning firepits and chimineas. For instance, it is illegal to have a wood-burning firepit in Vancouver and Toronto.
If you can install a firepit, don’t forget to review your city’s regulations on placement, size, position and any rules involving smoke. In Edmonton, for example, firepits must be at least 10 feet (three metres) away from buildings, property lines, overhead power lines and any other combustible materials. Non-compliance to these laws can potentially void your insurance coverages.
Firepit safety tips include:
- Placing brick or stone underneath portable firepits.
- Ensuring your firepit has a spark-arrestor screen with openings no larger than 0.5 inches.
- Keep a fire extinguisher handy.
- Wear non-flammable clothes.
- Keep an eye on pets and kids to help avoid any accidents.
- Do not put ashes in garage, compost or recycling bins.
Always check if your municipality or province has issued a fire ban or advisory. A fire ban prohibits wood campfires on public land, in campgrounds and on private land, including backyard firepits.
Be sure to notify your Acera Insurance advisor that you installed a backyard firepit. While controlled, these fires can still increase the risk of property damage or personal injury, which may affect your insurance premiums.
If you do not disclose that you have a backyard firepit and a person is injured or property is damaged, your insurance provider may deny coverage for your claim.
Barbecue safety
Barbecues are common outdoor appliances across Canada and typically don’t affect your home insurance. However, if you live in a condo or strata unit, check whether there are any rules or restrictions before purchasing a barbecue.
If someone is injured or your property is damaged while grilling, and a claim is made, it could affect your insurance premiums. Practice safe grilling habits, including:
- Checking your grill’s condition before firing it up by ensuring there are no leaking tanks or cracked hoses.
- Making sure your grill is a good distance away from your home or anything flammable, and on a flat and sturdy surface.
- Keeping children and pets away from a hot grill.
- Knowing where your fire extinguisher is!
- Ensuring the fire is out before leaving a grill unattended.
Your advisor is here to help
If you have any questions about how a firepit or barbecue can impact your home insurance, your Acera Insurance advisor is here to help.
Want to learn more about backyard risks?
Learn more about backyard risks, including pools, play structures and trampolines and the personal liability around hosting an event at your home.
Information and services provided by Acera Insurance, Acera Benefits and any other tradename and/or subsidiary or affiliate of Acera Insurance Services Ltd. (“Acera”), should not be considered legal, tax, or financial advice. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we recommend consulting a qualified financial planner, lawyer, accountant, tax advisor or other professional for advice specific to your situation. Tax, employment, pension, disability and investment laws and regulations vary by jurisdiction and are subject to change. Acera is not responsible for any decisions made based on the information provided.