Backyard fires in East Zorra-Tavistock
Whether a backyard fire or fire pit is allowed in East Zorra-Tavistock, Ontario, the permit rule, coverage level, and how to check today's fire ban.
East Zorra-Tavistock requires a burn permit for every open-air burn. Permits are free, but you must call the Township office before burning so dispatch knows the fire is controlled. Campfires in a proper fire pit do not require a call.
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
Fires are not permitted while a fire ban is in effect; bans are posted in the Township newsroom. East Zorra-Tavistock 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.
Backyard fire safety in East Zorra-Tavistock
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 Zorra-Tavistock backyard fire questions
Can I have a backyard fire in East Zorra-Tavistock?
East Zorra-Tavistock requires a burn permit for every open-air burn. Permits are free, but you must call the Township office before burning so dispatch knows the fire is controlled. Campfires in a proper fire pit do not require a call. Source: Township of East Zorra-Tavistock, Burn Open Air Fire Permits, last checked 2026-07-02.
Are gas or propane fire pits allowed in East Zorra-Tavistock?
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 Zorra-Tavistock today?
Fires are not permitted while a fire ban is in effect; bans are posted in the Township newsroom. East Zorra-Tavistock 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 East Zorra-Tavistock?
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 Zorra-Tavistock's by-law any time of year.
What happens if I have a fire during a ban in East Zorra-Tavistock?
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 East Zorra-Tavistock, Burn Open Air Fire Permits, last checked 2026-07-02. Controlled burns cannot be held in villages or rural clusters, must start no later than 4 p.m. and be extinguished by dusk, and may only burn wood or wood products. Proper fire pits must be no larger than 24 inches in diameter, with sides no higher than 24 inches, and placed at least 25 feet from buildings and combustibles.
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: Blandford-Blenheim, Ingersoll, Norwich, South-West Oxford. Or see every municipality.