Backyard fires in Havelock-Belmont-Methuen
Whether a backyard fire or fire pit is allowed in Havelock-Belmont-Methuen, Ontario, the permit rule, coverage level, and how to check today's fire ban.
Havelock-Belmont-Methuen allows small campfires only during the fire season from April 1 to October 31, with no daytime burning. Fires may be set from approximately 2 hours before sunset (around 6 p.m.) until 2 hours after sunrise (around 8 a.m.). Burning is not permitted in areas where buildings are less than 75 feet apart, and burn permits are available at the Fire Department Office for other open-air burning.
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 can declare a full fire ban that prohibits all open-air fires. Havelock-Belmont-Methuen is in the Peterborough/Central Ontario fire region and provincial Restricted Fire Zone declarations also apply.
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 Havelock-Belmont-Methuen
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.
Havelock-Belmont-Methuen backyard fire questions
Can I have a backyard fire in Havelock-Belmont-Methuen?
Havelock-Belmont-Methuen allows small campfires only during the fire season from April 1 to October 31, with no daytime burning. Fires may be set from approximately 2 hours before sunset (around 6 p.m.) until 2 hours after sunrise (around 8 a.m.). Burning is not permitted in areas where buildings are less than 75 feet apart, and burn permits are available at the Fire Department Office for other open-air burning. Source: Township of Havelock-Belmont-Methuen, Fire, last checked 2026-07-02.
Are gas or propane fire pits allowed in Havelock-Belmont-Methuen?
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 Havelock-Belmont-Methuen today?
The Fire Chief can declare a full fire ban that prohibits all open-air fires. Havelock-Belmont-Methuen is in the Peterborough/Central Ontario fire region and provincial Restricted Fire Zone declarations also apply. 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 Havelock-Belmont-Methuen?
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 Havelock-Belmont-Methuen's by-law any time of year.
What happens if I have a fire during a ban in Havelock-Belmont-Methuen?
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 Havelock-Belmont-Methuen, Fire, last checked 2026-07-02. Open Air Burning By-law 2017-075 regulates fires; call 911 for out-of-control fires.
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: Asphodel-Norwood, Otonabee-South Monaghan, Cavan Monaghan, Douro-Dummer. Or see every municipality.