Backyard fires in Algonquin Highlands
Whether a backyard fire or fire pit is allowed in Algonquin Highlands, Ontario, the permit rule, coverage level, and how to check today's fire ban.
Algonquin Highlands prohibits daytime burning between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. from April 1 through October 31, and grass fires are strictly prohibited. Nighttime burning is allowed only between 7 p.m. and 7 a.m. for a single pile no more than 2 metres in diameter and 2 metres high, at least 3 metres from flammable materials and supervised until extinguished. Campfires do not need a permit, must be less than 60 cm and confined in a fire pit. The MNR or Township can declare a fire ban covering all fires, including cooking and warmth fires.
Municipal ruleGas versus wood
Gas and propane fire pits are treated separately from open-air wood burning and are the simplest option; placement rules and any active ban still apply.
Today's fire ban
Provincial Restricted Fire Zone rules can override local permission in Ontario's fire region.
For the provincial layer, check Ontario's fire restrictions and the Forest Fire Information Map, which show Restricted Fire Zones across the fire region.
Two separate rules can stop a backyard fire in Ontario: a municipal fire ban, which any municipality can declare during a dry spell, and a provincial Restricted Fire Zone, declared only in the northern fire region. Either one overrides your normal permission, so check both before you light up.
Backyard fire safety in Algonquin Highlands
Where a recreational fire is allowed, these rules keep it legal and safe almost everywhere in Ontario:
- Burn only clean, dry, untreated firewood. Never garbage, leaves, brush, or treated or painted wood.
- Keep the fire small and contained in a pit, ring, or approved appliance, not a loose pile.
- Stay well back from buildings, fences, trees, decks, and the property line.
- Keep water or an extinguisher within reach, and never leave the fire unattended.
- Watch the wind. Skip it on dry, gusty days, and soak the ashes cold before you go inside.
- Never burn during a fire ban or Restricted Fire Zone, even if you usually could.
Algonquin Highlands backyard fire questions
Can I have a backyard fire in Algonquin Highlands?
Algonquin Highlands prohibits daytime burning between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. from April 1 through October 31, and grass fires are strictly prohibited. Nighttime burning is allowed only between 7 p.m. and 7 a.m. for a single pile no more than 2 metres in diameter and 2 metres high, at least 3 metres from flammable materials and supervised until extinguished. Campfires do not need a permit, must be less than 60 cm and confined in a fire pit. The MNR or Township can declare a fire ban covering all fires, including cooking and warmth fires. Source: Township of Algonquin Highlands - Fire Services, last checked 2026-07-02.
Are gas or propane fire pits allowed in Algonquin Highlands?
Gas and propane fire pits are treated separately from open-air wood burning and are the simplest option; placement rules and any active ban still apply.
How do I know if there is a fire ban in Algonquin Highlands today?
Provincial Restricted Fire Zone rules can override local permission in Ontario's fire region. For the provincial picture, check Ontario's fire restrictions page and the Forest Fire Information Map, which show Restricted Fire Zones in the fire region.
What can I burn in Algonquin Highlands?
Only clean, dry, untreated firewood for a recreational fire. Burning household garbage, leaves, brush, painted or treated wood, and construction debris is prohibited across Ontario, fire ban or not.
When is fire season in Ontario?
Ontario's official fire season runs April 1 to October 31. During it the province manages wildfire and can declare a Restricted Fire Zone in the northern fire region. Municipal open-air burning rules apply all year, so check Algonquin Highlands's by-law any time of year.
What happens if I have a fire during a ban in Algonquin Highlands?
Municipalities and the province can fine illegal open-air burning, and you can be billed for the cost of fighting any fire you start. If a ban or Restricted Fire Zone is in effect, do not burn, even if you hold a permit.
Source
From Township of Algonquin Highlands - Fire Services, last checked 2026-07-02. Daytime burn permits are no longer issued, grass fires are prohibited, and campfires for cooking or warmth do not require permits.
This is a plain-language summary, not the bylaw, and not legal advice. Open-air burning rules and bans change quickly, especially in dry weather. Always check your municipality's page and today's ban status before you light anything.
Other municipalities: Highlands East, Minden Hills, Dysart et al, Haliburton County. Or see every municipality.