Backyard fires in Fort Erie
Whether a backyard fire or fire pit is allowed in Fort Erie, Ontario, the permit rule, coverage level, and how to check today's fire ban.
A backyard campfire or chiminea on private property in Fort Erie doesn't need a permit as an Exempt fire under By-law 93-2020, as long as the hearth and pile stay under 66cm across and high, it's at least 4 metres from the property line and 3 metres from a combustible structure, and it only burns between 4pm and 11pm on clean dry wood. Bigger fires, like burning yard debris in piles, do need a Burning Permit, which requires a site inspection at least 14 days ahead and keeps the pile at least 30 metres from buildings and 250 metres from occupied buildings if smoke could drift toward them.
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
Fort Erie is in southern Ontario, outside the province's fire region, so there's no provincial Restricted Fire Zone here. The Fire Chief can still issue a local Ban on all open-air fires during hazardous dry or windy conditions, which automatically suspends every existing permit and exempt fire until lifted, and is posted on the Town's fire department page and social media.
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 Fort Erie
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.
Fort Erie backyard fire questions
Can I have a backyard fire in Fort Erie?
A backyard campfire or chiminea on private property in Fort Erie doesn't need a permit as an Exempt fire under By-law 93-2020, as long as the hearth and pile stay under 66cm across and high, it's at least 4 metres from the property line and 3 metres from a combustible structure, and it only burns between 4pm and 11pm on clean dry wood. Bigger fires, like burning yard debris in piles, do need a Burning Permit, which requires a site inspection at least 14 days ahead and keeps the pile at least 30 metres from buildings and 250 metres from occupied buildings if smoke could drift toward them. Source: Town of Fort Erie, By-law No. 93-2020 (Open-Air Burning), last checked 2026-07-02.
Are gas or propane fire pits allowed in Fort Erie?
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 Fort Erie today?
Fort Erie is in southern Ontario, outside the province's fire region, so there's no provincial Restricted Fire Zone here. The Fire Chief can still issue a local Ban on all open-air fires during hazardous dry or windy conditions, which automatically suspends every existing permit and exempt fire until lifted, and is posted on the Town's fire department page and social media. 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 Fort Erie?
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 Fort Erie's by-law any time of year.
What happens if I have a fire during a ban in Fort Erie?
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 Fort Erie, By-law No. 93-2020 (Open-Air Burning), last checked 2026-07-02. Complaints that violate the bylaw result in a Burn Notice to the homeowner, and repeat violations can mean an invoice for each responding fire vehicle; call Fort Erie Fire and Emergency Services at 905-871-1600 ext. 5600 with questions.
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: Port Colborne, St. Catharines, Welland, Grimsby. Or see every municipality.