Fire Prevention

Fire prevention is an important part of the work we do for the region. From public fire safety education to inspection duties, code enforcement and reviewing plans, we want to increase fire safety in our community.

Provincial Fire Hazard Map

Residents are encouraged to regularly check the Provincial Fire Hazard Map provided by the Department of Fisheries, Forestry, and Agriculture and to follow the associated guidelines to practice fire safety. 

Before lighting a backyard fire or using a Permit to Burn issued by the SJRFD, it’s important to understand what the current fire risk level means for St. John’s, Mount Pearl, and Paradise:

Low or Moderate (Blue/Green):

• Open fires permitted with a valid permit to burn
• Outdoor wood-burning appliances, propane appliances, and charcoal/propane BBQs are allowed
• Contact your municipality to confirm if a permit is required

High (Yellow):

• Open fires with a permit to burn are prohibited.
• Propane and wood-burning appliances, and charcoal/propane BBQs are allowed

Very High or Extreme (Orange/Red):

• No open fires permitted, including those with a permit
• No outdoor wood-burning appliances permitted
• Only propane appliances and charcoal/propane BBQs are allowed

Please be fire safe when using outdoor wood burning and propane burning appliances - keep a hose or fire extinguisher handy and follow manufacturers requirements regarding clearances from combustible materials. Also, we would like to remind citizens that, if you smoke, do not throw your lit cigarette butt on the ground or out of a vehicle window.

The SJRFD will share information from Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture on the Fire Hazard Rating on our Facebook page. Residents can also follow Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture NL on social media for up-to-date fire hazard ratings.

For more information contact, officeofthefirechief@stjohns.ca.

Check Fire Index

Open Fire & Outdoor Wood Burning Appliance Requirements

According to the City’s Open Air Fire Regulations By-Law, an Outdoor Wood Burning Appliance must:

• Be fully enclosed and made of non-combustible materials (metal, masonry, concrete).
• Be 15–60 cm deep and no more than 75 cm wide/long or 0.46 m² in area.
• Have a spark arrestor or mesh (max 12 mm openings) covering the fire.
• Not be used when wind speeds exceed 20 km/h.

Usage Rules:

1. Follow manufacturer’s installation instructions.
2. Place at least 4.5 m from buildings or combustible materials.
3. Ensure fire is fully enclosed and on a firm, level, non-combustible base extending 0.5 m beyond the unit.
4. Be attended by an adult (18+) with a water source or extinguisher.
5. Burn only seasoned wood.
6. Fully extinguish before leaving unattended.

An Open Air Fire includes:

• Any fire that burns freely or has the potential to spread.
• Fires set in containers that do not meet the requirements of an approved outdoor wood burning appliance.

A Permit is Required for any Open Air Fire. To request a permit, email fireprevention@stjohns.ca or call 709-576-3905.

Fire safety and prevention publications

• Consumer Fireworks for Residents
• Consumer Fireworks Manual for Vendors
• Special Events: Guide to Fire Safety Planning
• Home Fire Extinguishers
• Home Fire Safety for Older Adults
• Kitchen Fire Safety
• Licensed Nightclubs and Lounges: Guide to Fire Safety Planning
• Licensed Nightclubs and Lounges: Study Guide and Reference Manual for Employees
• Post-secondary Students
• Procedures for Fire Safety Planning in Buildings
• Property Management Responsibilities for Fire Safety
• Residents of Apartment and Condominium Buildings

Scheduled Building Inspections

The Fire Prevention division schedules building inspections to ensure life safety code compliance. We visit all types of buildings - from churches to garages, night clubs, grocery stores, places of public assembly and industrial complexes. The occupancy is inspected for potential safety issues, or to seek ways to improve safety. We work with owners and staff to ensure there is a clear understanding of the need for fire safety.

Reactive Inspections

We often get inquiries from concerned citizens on fire safety in properties. Sometimes, our Fire Officers or City staff discover a problem, for example when a “draft hydrant” is checked by a fire crew and an Inspector. Other reactive inspections include requests for home oxygen systems, burning permits, outdoor event applications and public assembly capacity calculations. These requests are assessed, assigned a priority standing and delegated to our staff.

Public Education

Our fire fighters are committed to informing the public about fire safety. We educate the public about how to stay safe in the home or workplace, how to write or improve escape plans, and how to reduce the risk of fire and threat to safety.

Learn Not to Burn is an internationally recognized program for primary and elementary school students and is a part of their curriculum. Our Hazard House gets positive feedback from students, parents and teachers. We educate students on safety in the home, then ask them to develop a Fire Safety Plan for their own home and return it to school. Students who complete and submit the plan receive a certificate of participation and participant card.

We also have education programs about:

• the proper use of extinguishers
• placement of smoke and fire alarms
• evacuation plans
• interpretation of safety codes

Fire Prevention Week

Fire Prevention Week occurs annually during the first week of October. It is one of the longest running public health and safety events in the country. In recognition of Fire Prevention Week, SJRFD has many events taking place throughout the region. We invite kids and adults of all ages to come and enjoy the festivities and learn all about fire safety.