Backyard fires in Guelph/Eramosa
Whether a backyard fire or fire pit is allowed in Guelph/Eramosa, Ontario, the permit rule, coverage level, and how to check today's fire ban.
The Township of Guelph/Eramosa regulates open-air burning under By-law 39/2017. Open-air burning is not permitted in residential areas, but may be allowed on agricultural properties or larger rural residential lots that meet setback requirements, with a permit. A permit is not required for cooking fires, barbecues, or recreational burning devices. Permits are valid for one year from the date of application. Fires must be at least 7 metres from structures and extinguished by 9 p.m.
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
The Fire Chief may declare a complete prohibition against outdoor burning when atmospheric conditions or local circumstances make fires hazardous.
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 Guelph/Eramosa
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.
Guelph/Eramosa backyard fire questions
Can I have a backyard fire in Guelph/Eramosa?
The Township of Guelph/Eramosa regulates open-air burning under By-law 39/2017. Open-air burning is not permitted in residential areas, but may be allowed on agricultural properties or larger rural residential lots that meet setback requirements, with a permit. A permit is not required for cooking fires, barbecues, or recreational burning devices. Permits are valid for one year from the date of application. Fires must be at least 7 metres from structures and extinguished by 9 p.m. Source: Township of Guelph/Eramosa - Open Air Burning By-law 39/2017, last checked 2026-07-02.
Are gas or propane fire pits allowed in Guelph/Eramosa?
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 Guelph/Eramosa today?
The Fire Chief may declare a complete prohibition against outdoor burning when atmospheric conditions or local circumstances make fires hazardous. 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 Guelph/Eramosa?
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 Guelph/Eramosa's by-law any time of year.
What happens if I have a fire during a ban in Guelph/Eramosa?
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 Guelph/Eramosa - Open Air Burning By-law 39/2017, last checked 2026-07-02. The applicant shall pay the application fee as established by the Fees and Charges By-law prior to approval.
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: Mapleton, Minto, Centre Wellington, Erin. Or see every municipality.