Backyard fires in Cochrane
Whether a backyard fire or fire pit is allowed in Cochrane, Ontario, the permit rule, coverage level, and how to check today's fire ban.
Cochrane requires a burn permit for open-air burning in both urban and rural areas. Permit fees start at $20, and the Cochrane Fire Department may inspect permit requests at its discretion. Once you have paid for your annual permit you can burn right away; applications must be approved by the Fire Chief first.
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 town posts fire-risk and air-quality levels on its Protective Services page and can declare local bans; because Cochrane is in the provincial fire region, Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry Restricted Fire Zones can also override permits.
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 Cochrane
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.
Cochrane backyard fire questions
Can I have a backyard fire in Cochrane?
Cochrane requires a burn permit for open-air burning in both urban and rural areas. Permit fees start at $20, and the Cochrane Fire Department may inspect permit requests at its discretion. Once you have paid for your annual permit you can burn right away; applications must be approved by the Fire Chief first. Source: Town of Cochrane, Protective Services / Open Air Burning Permits, last checked 2026-07-02.
Are gas or propane fire pits allowed in Cochrane?
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 Cochrane today?
The town posts fire-risk and air-quality levels on its Protective Services page and can declare local bans; because Cochrane is in the provincial fire region, Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry Restricted Fire Zones can also override permits. 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 Cochrane?
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 Cochrane's by-law any time of year.
What happens if I have a fire during a ban in Cochrane?
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 Town of Cochrane, Protective Services / Open Air Burning Permits, last checked 2026-07-02. Apply online through the town's portal, or contact the Fire Department at 705-272-6758 or Dean.Hooey@cochraneontario.com.
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: Black River-Matheson, Hearst, Iroquois Falls, Kapuskasing. Or see every municipality.