Backyard fires in Centre Wellington
Whether a backyard fire or fire pit is allowed in Centre Wellington, Ontario, the permit rule, coverage level, and how to check today's fire ban.
Centre Wellington requires a Burn Permit for every open-air fire, including a typical backyard fire pit or campfire, with no size-based exemption. A basic Class A permit (fire up to 0.6 metres in diameter or height) costs $25 ($40 if a site inspection is needed), and the fire must be physically confined and kept at least 3 metres from a building, fence, hedge, or property line. Gas-fired appliances like propane fire tables aren't regulated as open air fires and don't need a permit.
Municipal ruleAlso covers Elora, Fergus.
Gas 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
Section 6.1(k) of the bylaw bars any permitted fire during a fire ban issued by the Chief Fire Official, and the town also won't allow burning during smog alerts or when winds exceed 20 km/h. Bans and burn conditions are posted on the township website and Centre Wellington Fire Rescue's social media.
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 Wellington
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 Wellington backyard fire questions
Can I have a backyard fire in Centre Wellington?
Centre Wellington requires a Burn Permit for every open-air fire, including a typical backyard fire pit or campfire, with no size-based exemption. A basic Class A permit (fire up to 0.6 metres in diameter or height) costs $25 ($40 if a site inspection is needed), and the fire must be physically confined and kept at least 3 metres from a building, fence, hedge, or property line. Gas-fired appliances like propane fire tables aren't regulated as open air fires and don't need a permit. Source: Township of Centre Wellington, By-law 2019-35 (as amended by By-law 2024-14), last checked 2026-07-02.
Are gas or propane fire pits allowed in Centre Wellington?
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 Wellington today?
Section 6.1(k) of the bylaw bars any permitted fire during a fire ban issued by the Chief Fire Official, and the town also won't allow burning during smog alerts or when winds exceed 20 km/h. Bans and burn conditions are posted on the township website and Centre Wellington Fire Rescue's social media. 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 Wellington?
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 Wellington's by-law any time of year.
What happens if I have a fire during a ban in Centre Wellington?
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 Centre Wellington, By-law 2019-35 (as amended by By-law 2024-14), last checked 2026-07-02. Permits are bought online at apps.centrewellington.ca/burningpermit or at the Fergus fire station or Elora civic centre, valid to the end of the calendar year issued; since a 2024 amendment, a Class A or B fire can't be lit in the front yard.
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: Mapleton, Minto, Erin, Guelph/Eramosa. Or see every municipality.