Backyard fires in Burlington
Whether a backyard fire or fire pit is allowed in Burlington, Ontario, the permit rule, coverage level, and how to check today's fire ban.
Burlington does not permit open-air burning in urban areas of the city. Open-air burning is allowed only within designated open-air burning areas (rural parts of the city), where residents need a free Open-Air Burning Permit before lighting a fire, and burning may still be suspended for smog advisories or dry weather.
Municipal ruleGas versus wood
Gas and propane appliances are usually treated separately from open-air wood burning, but Burlington safety, placement, and temporary-ban rules still apply.
Today's fire ban
Check Ontario's fire restrictions and Forest Fire Information Map for the provincial layer. Then check Burlington for any local fire ban or open-air burning permit rule.
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.
Burlington backyard fire questions
Can I have a backyard fire in Burlington?
Burlington does not permit open-air burning in urban areas of the city. Open-air burning is allowed only within designated open-air burning areas (rural parts of the city), where residents need a free Open-Air Burning Permit before lighting a fire, and burning may still be suspended for smog advisories or dry weather. Source: City of Burlington, last checked 2026-08-18.
Are gas or propane fire pits allowed in Burlington?
Gas and propane appliances are usually treated separately from open-air wood burning, but Burlington safety, placement, and temporary-ban rules still apply.
How do I know if there is a fire ban in Burlington today?
Check Ontario's fire restrictions and Forest Fire Information Map for the provincial layer. Then check Burlington for any local fire ban or open-air burning permit rule. 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 Burlington?
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 Burlington's by-law any time of year.
What happens if I have a fire during a ban in Burlington?
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 City of Burlington, last checked 2026-08-18. Verified against Burlington's open-air burning by-law (2026-06-27).
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: Oakville, Halton Hills, Milton, Halton, Regional Municipality of. Or see every municipality.