With spring now well underway, residents are getting their backyard fire pits ready while others are perhaps considering adding one to their homes. 

Fire pits are allowed in Swift Current, but those using one need to have a permit for it. Those permits can be picked up at the Fire Hall or City Hall and they come with a set of rules and safety procedures for using fire pits. 

If you’re adding a fire pit for the first time, it’s also a good idea to let your neighbours know about your plans in case they have any allergies or other concerns. If they do have smoke allergies, you could consider going with a smokeless fire pit or a gas-fuelled fire table instead. Also, residents are reminded to only burn clean, unpainted and unfinished wood in their fire pits and not leaves, branches, grass clippings or other yard waste or household garbage. 

If you have any questions about fire pits, safety regulations and the permitting process, you can call the Swift Current Fire Department at 306-778-2760. 

Pete L’Heureux, Deputy Fire Chief for Swift Current, joined Colin Powers on Magic 97.1 to talk about fire pits.