Backyard fires in Central Elgin
Whether a backyard fire or fire pit is allowed in Central Elgin, Ontario, the permit rule, coverage level, and how to check today's fire ban.
Central Elgin allows small recreational open-air fires without a permit if they are contained in a non-combustible container or pit no larger than 2 feet by 2 feet with flames under 2 feet high, burn only clean dry wood or charcoal, and stay at least 10 feet from structures and combustibles. Agricultural, non-recreational and special burns require a permit.
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 issue burn bans at any time; all open-air burning is prohibited on smog-alert days and during municipal bans. Central Elgin is outside the provincial legislated 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 Central Elgin
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.
Central Elgin backyard fire questions
Can I have a backyard fire in Central Elgin?
Central Elgin allows small recreational open-air fires without a permit if they are contained in a non-combustible container or pit no larger than 2 feet by 2 feet with flames under 2 feet high, burn only clean dry wood or charcoal, and stay at least 10 feet from structures and combustibles. Agricultural, non-recreational and special burns require a permit. Source: Municipality of Central Elgin, Open-Air Burning By-law No. 2026-021, last checked 2026-07-02.
Are gas or propane fire pits allowed in Central Elgin?
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 Central Elgin today?
The Chief Fire Official can issue burn bans at any time; all open-air burning is prohibited on smog-alert days and during municipal bans. Central Elgin is outside the provincial legislated 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 Central Elgin?
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 Central Elgin's by-law any time of year.
What happens if I have a fire during a ban in Central Elgin?
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 Central Elgin, Open-Air Burning By-law No. 2026-021, last checked 2026-07-02. Recreational burning is allowed from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m.; permit applications for non-recreational burns must be submitted at least seven working days in advance.
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: Aylmer, Dutton/Dunwich, Malahide, Southwold. Or see every municipality.