Backyard fires in Gordon/Barrie Island
Whether a backyard fire or fire pit is allowed in Gordon/Barrie Island, Ontario, the permit rule, coverage level, and how to check today's fire ban.
The Municipality of Gordon/Barrie Island requires a free fire permit for outdoor fires, including burn barrels, grass fires, brush fires and controlled fires. Fire permits are issued at the municipal office and are valid for the fire season from April 1 to November 30. Open burning is prohibited between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m., must be supervised by a competent adult, and must not cause inconvenience to others. All outdoor fires are banned during a provincial Restricted Fire Band or high fire hazard conditions.
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
No outdoor fire is allowed during a provincial Restricted Fire Band or during high fire hazard conditions as determined by the Fire Chief.
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 Gordon/Barrie Island
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.
Gordon/Barrie Island backyard fire questions
Can I have a backyard fire in Gordon/Barrie Island?
The Municipality of Gordon/Barrie Island requires a free fire permit for outdoor fires, including burn barrels, grass fires, brush fires and controlled fires. Fire permits are issued at the municipal office and are valid for the fire season from April 1 to November 30. Open burning is prohibited between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m., must be supervised by a competent adult, and must not cause inconvenience to others. All outdoor fires are banned during a provincial Restricted Fire Band or high fire hazard conditions. Source: Municipality of Gordon/Barrie Island - By-Laws and Policies, last checked 2026-07-02.
Are gas or propane fire pits allowed in Gordon/Barrie Island?
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 Gordon/Barrie Island today?
No outdoor fire is allowed during a provincial Restricted Fire Band or during high fire hazard conditions as determined by the Fire Chief. 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 Gordon/Barrie Island?
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 Gordon/Barrie Island's by-law any time of year.
What happens if I have a fire during a ban in Gordon/Barrie Island?
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 Gordon/Barrie Island - By-Laws and Policies, last checked 2026-07-02. Fire permits are available at the municipal office any time during the day from 8:30 to 4:30.
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: Northeastern Manitoulin and The Islands, Billings, Burpee and Mills, Central Manitoulin. Or see every municipality.