Backyard fires in Georgian Bay
Whether a backyard fire or fire pit is allowed in Georgian Bay, Ontario, the permit rule, coverage level, and how to check today's fire ban.
The Township of Georgian Bay requires a burn permit for any open-air burning year-round, from January 1 to December 31. Daytime burning is allowed with a valid permit. Campfires must be no larger than 1 cubic metre and non-recreational bonfires no larger than 2 cubic metres. Only clean, dry wood may be burned. Check the Muskoka fire danger rating before burning; no burning, including fireworks, is allowed when the rating is extreme.
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
Georgian Bay is in Ontario Fire Zone RFZ 27 (District of Muskoka). All open-air burning, including campfires, is prohibited when the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry declares a Restricted Fire Zone or when the local fire danger rating is extreme.
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 Georgian Bay
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.
Georgian Bay backyard fire questions
Can I have a backyard fire in Georgian Bay?
The Township of Georgian Bay requires a burn permit for any open-air burning year-round, from January 1 to December 31. Daytime burning is allowed with a valid permit. Campfires must be no larger than 1 cubic metre and non-recreational bonfires no larger than 2 cubic metres. Only clean, dry wood may be burned. Check the Muskoka fire danger rating before burning; no burning, including fireworks, is allowed when the rating is extreme. Source: Township of Georgian Bay - Fire Rating and Burn Permits, last checked 2026-07-02.
Are gas or propane fire pits allowed in Georgian Bay?
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 Georgian Bay today?
Georgian Bay is in Ontario Fire Zone RFZ 27 (District of Muskoka). All open-air burning, including campfires, is prohibited when the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry declares a Restricted Fire Zone or when the local fire danger rating is extreme. 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 Georgian Bay?
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 Georgian Bay's by-law any time of year.
What happens if I have a fire during a ban in Georgian Bay?
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 Georgian Bay - Fire Rating and Burn Permits, last checked 2026-07-02. Burn permits can be purchased online or at the Township Office at 99 Lone Pine Road in Port Severn and at library branches in Honey Harbour, MacTier and Port Severn, and permits are valid year-round from January 1 to December 31.
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: Bracebridge, Gravenhurst, Huntsville, Lake of Bays. Or see every municipality.