Caution Updated:

  • New! With continued snowmelt and rising waters, the Calgary Fire Department advises against boating and all other water activities on the Bow and Elbow Rivers, effective June 29, 2026. Learn more

Firewood - Burn It Where You Buy It

Firewood's impact on Calgary trees

Let’s say you’re camping in Waterton, having a fire pit in Red Deer, or having a BBQ in Drumheller, and you don’t burn all the wood you bought. There’s no harm in bringing it back to Calgary…right?

When you transport untreated firewood between locations — even just a few kilometres- you can give tree diseases and insects a free ride. These pests can damage and kill our trees, negatively impacting Calgary’s urban forest.

Thanks to vigilance and your hard work,  Dutch Elm Disease — one of those pests that firewood transport can spread — hasn't been established in Alberta. We also need your help preventing the spread of the emerald ash borer, a non-native beetle that infests ash trees. Help keep YYC’s trees healthy and pest-free.

It’s easy to remember: Burn it Where You Buy It! Looking for info on fire pit safety within Calgary?