Backyard fires in Grey Highlands
Whether a backyard fire or fire pit is allowed in Grey Highlands, Ontario, the permit rule, coverage level, and how to check today's fire ban.
The Municipality of Grey Highlands requires a burn permit for all burning, including campfires, bonfires, burn barrels, and agricultural or non-agricultural open-air burns. Permits are obtained online at gh.burnpermits.com. Campfire, bonfire and barrel permits cost $20 and are valid for one year; agricultural permits are $20 per year; non-agricultural permits are $20 for three weeks. Burners must call 1-855-536-2344 before ignition except for campfires and burn barrels. Only brush and clean wood may be burned.
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 permitted during an official burn ban. At extreme fire rating, no open-air burning is allowed; campfires are permitted but require extreme caution.
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 Grey Highlands
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.
Grey Highlands backyard fire questions
Can I have a backyard fire in Grey Highlands?
The Municipality of Grey Highlands requires a burn permit for all burning, including campfires, bonfires, burn barrels, and agricultural or non-agricultural open-air burns. Permits are obtained online at gh.burnpermits.com. Campfire, bonfire and barrel permits cost $20 and are valid for one year; agricultural permits are $20 per year; non-agricultural permits are $20 for three weeks. Burners must call 1-855-536-2344 before ignition except for campfires and burn barrels. Only brush and clean wood may be burned. Source: Municipality of Grey Highlands - Burn Permits, last checked 2026-07-02.
Are gas or propane fire pits allowed in Grey Highlands?
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 Grey Highlands today?
No burning is permitted during an official burn ban. At extreme fire rating, no open-air burning is allowed; campfires are permitted but require extreme caution. 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 Grey Highlands?
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 Grey Highlands's by-law any time of year.
What happens if I have a fire during a ban in Grey Highlands?
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 Grey Highlands - Burn Permits, last checked 2026-07-02. A permit in this category is available for a fee of $20.00 and is valid for one full year.
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: Owen Sound, Southgate, The Blue Mountains, Chatsworth. Or see every municipality.