Backyard fires in Brockton
Whether a backyard fire or fire pit is allowed in Brockton, Ontario, the permit rule, coverage level, and how to check today's fire ban.
Brockton allows recreational fires without a permit if they are no larger than 0.6 metres in diameter and 0.3 metres high and are used only for warmth or cooking food. The fire must be at least 10 metres from any building, structure, hedge, tree, fence, highway, overhead wire or combustible material, and must be supervised by someone 16 or older. All other open-air fires need a permit from the Chief Fire Official, and no burning is allowed during a fire ban.
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
The Chief Fire Official can declare a fire ban that prohibits even permitted fires. Brockton is outside the provincial fire region, so municipal bans are the relevant local restriction.
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 Brockton
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.
Brockton backyard fire questions
Can I have a backyard fire in Brockton?
Brockton allows recreational fires without a permit if they are no larger than 0.6 metres in diameter and 0.3 metres high and are used only for warmth or cooking food. The fire must be at least 10 metres from any building, structure, hedge, tree, fence, highway, overhead wire or combustible material, and must be supervised by someone 16 or older. All other open-air fires need a permit from the Chief Fire Official, and no burning is allowed during a fire ban. Source: Municipality of Brockton, By-Law 2017-034, last checked 2026-07-02.
Are gas or propane fire pits allowed in Brockton?
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 Brockton today?
The Chief Fire Official can declare a fire ban that prohibits even permitted fires. Brockton is outside the provincial fire region, so municipal bans are the relevant local restriction. 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 Brockton?
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 Brockton's by-law any time of year.
What happens if I have a fire during a ban in Brockton?
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 Municipality of Brockton, By-Law 2017-034, last checked 2026-07-02. For non-recreational open-air fires, including farm burns and large brush piles, contact the Chief Fire Official at least 24 hours in advance through the municipal office.
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: Huron-Kinloss, Saugeen Shores, South Bruce, South Bruce Peninsula. Or see every municipality.