Backyard fires in Amaranth
Whether a backyard fire or fire pit is allowed in Amaranth, Ontario, the permit rule, coverage level, and how to check today's fire ban.
Amaranth requires a fire permit at no charge for all burning within the township. Permits are available at the municipal office or by completing the application form and returning it by fax to 519-941-1802 or email to info@amaranth.ca. By-Law #05-2009 requires constant supervision, setbacks of 15 metres from buildings, structures, hedges, fences, roads and overhead wires, a 4.5-metre clear perimeter, and maximum sizes of 3 metres in diameter for rural properties and 1 metre in diameter or 2 metres in height for urban properties.
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
Fire bans may be imposed at any time due to weather conditions; residents should check the township website before burning.
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 Amaranth
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.
Amaranth backyard fire questions
Can I have a backyard fire in Amaranth?
Amaranth requires a fire permit at no charge for all burning within the township. Permits are available at the municipal office or by completing the application form and returning it by fax to 519-941-1802 or email to info@amaranth.ca. By-Law #05-2009 requires constant supervision, setbacks of 15 metres from buildings, structures, hedges, fences, roads and overhead wires, a 4.5-metre clear perimeter, and maximum sizes of 3 metres in diameter for rural properties and 1 metre in diameter or 2 metres in height for urban properties. Source: Township of Amaranth - Emergency Services, last checked 2026-07-02.
Are gas or propane fire pits allowed in Amaranth?
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 Amaranth today?
Fire bans may be imposed at any time due to weather conditions; residents should check the township website before burning. 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 Amaranth?
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 Amaranth's by-law any time of year.
What happens if I have a fire during a ban in Amaranth?
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 Amaranth - Emergency Services, last checked 2026-07-02. Fire permits are free, available at the municipal office or by faxing the completed form to 519-941-1802 or emailing info@amaranth.ca, and are not valid without a municipal official signature and permit number.
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: Mulmur, Shelburne, East Garafraxa, Grand Valley. Or see every municipality.