Backyard fires in Black River-Matheson
Whether a backyard fire or fire pit is allowed in Black River-Matheson, Ontario, the permit rule, coverage level, and how to check today's fire ban.
Black River-Matheson requires a fire permit for windrow, bonfire or open-air burns. The Burn Plan (Schedule E to By-law 2021-016) must be completed, includes details such as location, timing, materials, safety equipment and person in charge, and is subject to approval and signature by the Fire Official. The plan can be cancelled or suspended at any time, and the permit holder is responsible for all costs of escaped 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 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 Black River-Matheson
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.
Black River-Matheson backyard fire questions
Can I have a backyard fire in Black River-Matheson?
Black River-Matheson requires a fire permit for windrow, bonfire or open-air burns. The Burn Plan (Schedule E to By-law 2021-016) must be completed, includes details such as location, timing, materials, safety equipment and person in charge, and is subject to approval and signature by the Fire Official. The plan can be cancelled or suspended at any time, and the permit holder is responsible for all costs of escaped fires. Source: Township of Black River-Matheson - Fire Control Schedule E (By-law 2021-016), last checked 2026-07-02.
Are gas or propane fire pits allowed in Black River-Matheson?
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 Black River-Matheson 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 Black River-Matheson?
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 Black River-Matheson's by-law any time of year.
What happens if I have a fire during a ban in Black River-Matheson?
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 Black River-Matheson - Fire Control Schedule E (By-law 2021-016), last checked 2026-07-02. A Burn Plan must be completed with details such as location, timing, materials, safety equipment and person in charge, and is subject to approval and signature by the Fire Official.
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: Cochrane, Hearst, Iroquois Falls, Kapuskasing. Or see every municipality.