Backyard fires in Grand Valley
Whether a backyard fire or fire pit is allowed in Grand Valley, Ontario, the permit rule, coverage level, and how to check today's fire ban.
The Town of Grand Valley regulates burning under By-law 2021-31. All recreational fires (campfires) on private property require a burning permit, and open-air burning in rural areas also requires a permit. Special permits from the Fire Chief are needed for fires not described in the by-law, such as demolition burns. Permits are available by calling the town office or submitting a scanned permit by email.
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 burning is allowed during a declared fire ban. During April and May and/or dry periods, check with the town office or website before burning.
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 Grand Valley
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.
Grand Valley backyard fire questions
Can I have a backyard fire in Grand Valley?
The Town of Grand Valley regulates burning under By-law 2021-31. All recreational fires (campfires) on private property require a burning permit, and open-air burning in rural areas also requires a permit. Special permits from the Fire Chief are needed for fires not described in the by-law, such as demolition burns. Permits are available by calling the town office or submitting a scanned permit by email. Source: Town of Grand Valley - Burning in Grand Valley, last checked 2026-07-02.
Are gas or propane fire pits allowed in Grand Valley?
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 Grand Valley today?
No burning is allowed during a declared fire ban. During April and May and/or dry periods, check with the town office or website before burning. 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 Grand Valley?
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 Grand Valley's by-law any time of year.
What happens if I have a fire during a ban in Grand Valley?
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 Grand Valley - Burning in Grand Valley, last checked 2026-07-02. Special burning permits for fires not described in By-law 2021-31 must be obtained directly from the Fire Chief of the Grand Valley and District Fire Department.
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: Mulmur, Shelburne, Amaranth, East Garafraxa. Or see every municipality.