Backyard fires in Centre Hastings
Whether a backyard fire or fire pit is allowed in Centre Hastings, Ontario, the permit rule, coverage level, and how to check today's fire ban.
Under Fire By-law 2014-31, brush and leaf burning is allowed without a permit from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. during the April 1 to October 31 fire season; daytime burning of brush, grass or similar materials is prohibited between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Small fires used only for cooking or warmth, or fires fully contained in a metal container covered with metal mesh less than one-quarter inch, are allowed at any time if attended by someone 19 or older. Hazardous or toxic materials are never allowed.
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 Fire Chief can issue local fire bans or restrictions when conditions are dry; these are posted on the municipal website under news and notices.
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 Centre Hastings
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.
Centre Hastings backyard fire questions
Can I have a backyard fire in Centre Hastings?
Under Fire By-law 2014-31, brush and leaf burning is allowed without a permit from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. during the April 1 to October 31 fire season; daytime burning of brush, grass or similar materials is prohibited between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Small fires used only for cooking or warmth, or fires fully contained in a metal container covered with metal mesh less than one-quarter inch, are allowed at any time if attended by someone 19 or older. Hazardous or toxic materials are never allowed. Source: Municipality of Centre Hastings, Open Air Burning Restrictions, last checked 2026-07-02.
Are gas or propane fire pits allowed in Centre Hastings?
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 Centre Hastings today?
The Fire Chief can issue local fire bans or restrictions when conditions are dry; these are posted on the municipal website under news and notices. 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 Centre Hastings?
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 Centre Hastings's by-law any time of year.
What happens if I have a fire during a ban in Centre Hastings?
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 Centre Hastings, Open Air Burning Restrictions, last checked 2026-07-02. If you are unsure about burning, contact the Centre Hastings Fire Department; failure to comply can result in fines and charges for fire department response.
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: Bancroft, Hastings Highlands, Limerick, Tudor and Cashel. Or see every municipality.