Backyard fires in East Ferris
Whether a backyard fire or fire pit is allowed in East Ferris, Ontario, the permit rule, coverage level, and how to check today's fire ban.
East Ferris allows campfires 1 m by 1 m or smaller without a permit, provided they are contained in a cement or steel-rimmed pit and all burning rules are followed. Open-air fires larger than 1 m by 1 m, including bonfires, brush burning and grass burning, require a permit.
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
Burning is permitted only between 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m.; daytime burning requires written authorization from the Fire Chief. The Fire Chief or MNRF can cancel all burning permits and declare bans. East Ferris is in the Nipissing fire region and provincial Restricted Fire Zone declarations 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 East Ferris
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.
East Ferris backyard fire questions
Can I have a backyard fire in East Ferris?
East Ferris allows campfires 1 m by 1 m or smaller without a permit, provided they are contained in a cement or steel-rimmed pit and all burning rules are followed. Open-air fires larger than 1 m by 1 m, including bonfires, brush burning and grass burning, require a permit. Source: Municipality of East Ferris, Burning Permits, last checked 2026-07-02.
Are gas or propane fire pits allowed in East Ferris?
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 East Ferris today?
Burning is permitted only between 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m.; daytime burning requires written authorization from the Fire Chief. The Fire Chief or MNRF can cancel all burning permits and declare bans. East Ferris is in the Nipissing fire region and provincial Restricted Fire Zone declarations 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 East Ferris?
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 East Ferris's by-law any time of year.
What happens if I have a fire during a ban in East Ferris?
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 East Ferris, Burning Permits, last checked 2026-07-02. Permits cost $10 for two weeks or $20 for four weeks and are available at the municipal office, public library and Lucky 13 in Corbeil.
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: Calvin, Papineau-Cameron, Temagami, Bonfield. Or see every municipality.