High outdoor summer temperatures and consecutive days of extreme heat tend to go together with fire bans and restrictions in Western Canada, dashing the dreams of outdoor enthusiasts looking forward to evenings spent outside gathered around the warmth of a crackling wood fire.

In Alberta, wildfire season runs from March to October. In neighbouring British Columbia, the season typically begins the following month, peaking in both provinces from July to September. During peak season, the BC Wildfire Service and The Government of Alberta implement fire bans and restrictions to reduce the number of human-caused wildfires on public and private lands.

If you are planning to camp in an area prohibiting the use of solid-fuel campfires, consider switching from a wood-burning campfire to a propane fire pit for the following reasons:

1. Campfire Ban Compliance

Even in areas where a campfire ban is in effect, you may still be able to enjoy the next best thing. Outland Living's portable propane fire pits are CSA-approved for most fire bans, making them a good alternative for outdoor recreation. In British Columbia, the BC Government states, "Often, campfire bans still allow the use of CSA-rated or ULC-rated cooking stoves that use gas, propane or briquettes, or of portable campfire apparatus that use briquettes, liquid fuel or gaseous fuel, as long as the height of the flame is less than 15 cm tall." In Alberta, some Fire Bans allow "portable propane fire pits" and "gas or propane stoves and barbecues "designed for cooking that meet CSA or UL standards. Check BC Fire Bans and Restrictions and Albertafirebans.ca to learn what fire bans and restrictions permit in your area. Outland Living's line of propane fire pits, all of which are CSA  approved for most fire bans, may be a good campfire alternatives during fire bans.   

2. Air Quality

Propane burns cleaner than wood, making propane fire pits a smart alternative for those concerned about air quality and exposure to fine particulate matter produced by wood fires. Portable fire units produce little to no smoke or sparks, minimizing pollutants released into the atmosphere and entering your airways.

Shown above: Outland Fire Bowl - Lake Country Propane Fire pit in Lagoon Blue

3. Portability

Portable propane fire pits are compact, lightweight, and easy to transport. Measuring 18.5" long x 18.5" wide by 10.5" high, the 23.3 lb., the Outland Living Deluxe Fire Pit is easy to pack into the back of a truck bed or in an RV storage compartment. Fire pit accessories like the Fitted Cover and Carry Kit or a Standard Carry Bag make storing and transporting the unit easy. Or opt for KUMA's Off-Grid Hex Fire Bowl, which comes with a lide and carry strap. 
 

4. Convenience

Propane fire pits require little assembly out of the box and come with everything needed to connect and stabilize a standard 20 lb. propane tank. Once connected to the tank, the Outland Living Deluxe Fire Pit produces 7.5-11 hours of steady burn time, depending on the flame setting chosen. Forget about chopping wood or throwing another log on the fire. Instead, sit back, relax, and watch the dance of flickering flames.
 

5. Total Control

The Outland Living Deluxe Fire Pit, one of our most popular propane fire pits, comes with a built-in chrome valve knob for adjusting flame height. Dial up or dial down the flames to remain in fire ban compliance. The valve knob also makes quick work of putting the fire to bed. Turn off the propane tank and turn the fire pit valve knob to the off position to extinguish the fire. After the unit cools, put the fire pit away to await your next outdoor adventure.

Be Fire Aware and Prepared

Before you try a portable propane fire pit, check for fire bans and restrictions in British Columbia or Alberta that may apply to the unit's use. Remember to follow provincial safety guidelines for transporting and storing propane cylinders before settling in to enjoy the warmth and ambience of a portable propane campfire.

Find Outland Living portable propane fire pits CSA approved for most fire bans and other outdoor essentials at a Lordco Auto Parts near you.