Backyard fires in Deseronto
Whether a backyard fire or fire pit is allowed in Deseronto, Ontario, the permit rule, coverage level, and how to check today's fire ban.
Deseronto's Open Air Burn By-law allows open-air burning only on active farm properties that meet strict safety conditions, including keeping the fire at least 150 metres from any building, supervising it with a person over 18, and notifying the Fire Department before and after the burn. Small confined cooking fires on a grill or barbecue are excluded from the by-law.
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 declare a fire ban; the town posts ban information on its website and through municipal channels. Deseronto 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.
Deseronto backyard fire questions
Can I have a backyard fire in Deseronto?
Deseronto's Open Air Burn By-law allows open-air burning only on active farm properties that meet strict safety conditions, including keeping the fire at least 150 metres from any building, supervising it with a person over 18, and notifying the Fire Department before and after the burn. Small confined cooking fires on a grill or barbecue are excluded from the by-law. Source: Town of Deseronto, By-laws and Standards, last checked 2026-07-02.
Are gas or propane fire pits allowed in Deseronto?
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 Deseronto today?
The Fire Chief can declare a fire ban; the town posts ban information on its website and through municipal channels. Deseronto 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 Deseronto?
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 Deseronto's by-law any time of year.
What happens if I have a fire during a ban in Deseronto?
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 Deseronto, By-laws and Standards, last checked 2026-07-02. Burn permits must be obtained through Deseronto Town Hall at 613-396-2440; a separate Chiminea Burn Permit form is also listed.
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, Centre Hastings, Hastings Highlands, Limerick. Or see every municipality.