Backyard fires in Coleman
Whether a backyard fire or fire pit is allowed in Coleman, Ontario, the permit rule, coverage level, and how to check today's fire ban.
Coleman Township does not require a permit for small, contained recreational fire pits used for cooking or warmth. The pit must be less than 1 metre in diameter and height, made of non-combustible material, at least 5 metres from buildings or combustibles, supervised at all times, and fully extinguished before leaving. Slash and brush piles still need a permit from the township.
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 township prohibits all fires, fireworks, and incendiary devices during municipal fire bans and Ministry of Natural Resources fire-restricted zones. Coleman is in the northern Ontario fire region, so provincial Restricted Fire Zone declarations also apply.
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 Coleman
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.
Coleman backyard fire questions
Can I have a backyard fire in Coleman?
Coleman Township does not require a permit for small, contained recreational fire pits used for cooking or warmth. The pit must be less than 1 metre in diameter and height, made of non-combustible material, at least 5 metres from buildings or combustibles, supervised at all times, and fully extinguished before leaving. Slash and brush piles still need a permit from the township. Source: Coleman Township, Fire Permits, last checked 2026-07-02.
Are gas or propane fire pits allowed in Coleman?
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 Coleman today?
The township prohibits all fires, fireworks, and incendiary devices during municipal fire bans and Ministry of Natural Resources fire-restricted zones. Coleman is in the northern Ontario fire region, so provincial Restricted Fire Zone declarations also apply. 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 Coleman?
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 Coleman's by-law any time of year.
What happens if I have a fire during a ban in Coleman?
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 Coleman Township, Fire Permits, last checked 2026-07-02. Slash and brush pile permits are valid for 3 days and are issued at Township Hall at 937907 Marsh Bay Road, Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
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: Casey, Harley, Hudson, Kerns. Or see every municipality.