With the rain that has arrived in the West Central Region the past few weeks residents may be thinking about getting some use out of their fire pits. The Town of Rosetown wants to remind residents that fire pits are allowed with in the town limits, and residents should take some care to ensure that everyone has a safe summer.

Fire pits with in the town limits are required to meet a few requirements. Your fire pit must be made of a non-combustible material. That includes concrete, clay, brick, or sheet metal. If your it is made out of sheet metal you should ensure that it's a minimum 18 gauge thickness. Homeowners need to ensure that their pits receptacle is covered with a heavy gauge metal screen. Finally homeowners must ensure that their fire pit is no larger than .61 cubic meters.

The town would also like to remind residents to only use wood, charcoal, or manufactured fire logs for fuel. 

"We want residents burning proper fuel. So no waste, including rubbish, slimes, manure, treated or painted wood, no carcasses, tailings, or garbage. Also your prohibited from burning any hazardous materials, and nothing that generates black smoke. So no electrical wiring, rubber tires, shingles."

Outside of what your fire pit is made of, and what fuel they would like you to use, the Town does have a by-law in place that dictates where our fire pit should be located. Make sure your fire pit is at least 3 meters from any combustible material, including buildings. Do not place your fire pit, or outdoor fireplace, on a combustible deck. Homeowners that have young children or teenagers, should ensure they're around and supervising to ensure the fire doesn't spread.

Rosetown Fire Chief Dennis Ogg says if you just use some common sense, you should be fine.

"Common sense certainly goes a long way. Make sure you plan your fire so it's not burning at full strength when you plan on shutting down for the night. Gauge how soon you'll be retiring so your fire is easier to contain."

Other things to consider in regards to fire pit safety:

Ensure your fire pit is clear of any overhangs such as tree branches, utility lines, and structures Make sure you have an extinguisher nearby. Water hose, fire extinguisher, etc. Don't use your fire pity in windy conditions that could be conducive to creating a fire spread

It should be noted that Town By-Law officer, and Fire Chief Dennis Ogg has the legal ability to ask anyone to extinguish a fire in a fire pit or outdoor fireplace.