Environmental Update
By Lynn MacCallum, Environment Director
If you have wandered into Cliff Bungalow Park at 2105 Cliff Street this winter, you may have
noticed that the City of Calgary has installed a fire pit at the north end of the park and is for the use of residents in the community. In fact, fire pits are installed all over the city at select
community parks and more are popping up all the time. These are residential-style fire pits and are free-to-use from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays and weekends, or reservable from 12-3 p.m., or 4-6 p.m. or 7-9 p.m. While anyone can use them, priority is given to those who book the fire pits with a permit which can be done through the city website at www.calgary.ca. Here are some things you need to know before, during, and after your use of the fire pit.
Before you book, please review the province of Alberta’s Covid-19 restrictions to ensure you are gathering responsibly and safely. Visit www.alberta.ca for more info.
Bring enough wood to burn for your booking – ONLY firewood is permitted for use in the pits. No twigs, fallen branches, pine cones or other materials found in the park are to be used. No wood that is painted, treated, contains glue or resin, or wood from a different location, region or province is allowed to be burned, nor is yard waste, garbage, rubber, plastic, furniture, or fireworks.
Have a fire safety plan - Pick one person to be in charge of the fire, have a way to quickly put out the fire if needed, and bring a first aid kit just in case.
You MUST bring water to put out the fire as there may not be enough snow on site to do the job.
In addition to firewood, bring your own equipment such as lighters, matches, pokers, roasting sticks, marshmallows, and folding chairs.
Don't move or alter the fire pits as they have been placed in these exact locations for a reason. Keep flames at a reasonable size (one metre high and one metre wide).
Do not leave a burning fire unattended. When you're done, you must put out all flames and embers with water or snow, by soaking, stirring and soaking the fire pit again.
Keep it clean - don't place food on the mesh cover and clean up any garbage.
Be a good neighbour and share the fire pits, and please be respectful to plants and wildlife in the area too.
Finally, please note that bad behaviour, out of control flames and damage to the park may result in fines up to $10,000.
The fire pits are a welcome community gathering space, and when used responsibly, will
provide our friends and neighbours with many opportunities to get outside and enjoy the park. Happy marshmallow roasting!
Photos and information courtesy of www.calgary.ca.