Backyard fires in Billings
Whether a backyard fire or fire pit is allowed in Billings, Ontario, the permit rule, coverage level, and how to check today's fire ban.
Billings requires an approved burn permit for any open-air fire during the fire season (April 1 to October 31). The permit identifies the person, location, date and material to be burned, and the Chief Fire Official may revoke it for unsafe conditions. Campfires are allowed with rules, including an 8-metre setback from structures, constant supervision, extinguishing tools on hand, and no burning of garbage, plastics, rubber or other prohibited materials. Burning is banned during municipal or provincial fire bans and in Restricted Fire Zones.
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 orders 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 Billings
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.
Billings backyard fire questions
Can I have a backyard fire in Billings?
Billings requires an approved burn permit for any open-air fire during the fire season (April 1 to October 31). The permit identifies the person, location, date and material to be burned, and the Chief Fire Official may revoke it for unsafe conditions. Campfires are allowed with rules, including an 8-metre setback from structures, constant supervision, extinguishing tools on hand, and no burning of garbage, plastics, rubber or other prohibited materials. Burning is banned during municipal or provincial fire bans and in Restricted Fire Zones. Source: Township of Billings - Open-Air Burning and Campfires Bylaw (April 2, 2024 Council Agenda), last checked 2026-07-02.
Are gas or propane fire pits allowed in Billings?
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 Billings today?
Provincial Restricted Fire Zone orders 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 Billings?
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 Billings's by-law any time of year.
What happens if I have a fire during a ban in Billings?
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 Billings - Open-Air Burning and Campfires Bylaw (April 2, 2024 Council Agenda), last checked 2026-07-02. An approved burn permit is required for any open-air fire during the April 1 to October 31 fire season, and the Chief Fire Official may revoke it for unsafe conditions.
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: Northeastern Manitoulin and The Islands, Burpee and Mills, Central Manitoulin, Gordon/Barrie Island. Or see every municipality.