Backyard fires in Head, Clara and Maria
Whether a backyard fire or fire pit is allowed in Head, Clara and Maria, Ontario, the permit rule, coverage level, and how to check today's fire ban.
Head, Clara and Maria requires a seasonal burn permit for all open-air burning other than small fires used for warmth or cooking during the MNRF fire season (April 1 to October 31). The permit is free of charge and conditions include keeping piles under 2 metres in diameter and height, maintaining 2 metres of clearance from flammable materials, burning only wood, brush or leaves, and calling the municipal office before each burn.
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
Burn permits are automatically revoked during municipal fire bans or MNRF Fire Zone Restrictions, which are posted on the municipal website fire prevention page.
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 Head, Clara and Maria
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.
Head, Clara and Maria backyard fire questions
Can I have a backyard fire in Head, Clara and Maria?
Head, Clara and Maria requires a seasonal burn permit for all open-air burning other than small fires used for warmth or cooking during the MNRF fire season (April 1 to October 31). The permit is free of charge and conditions include keeping piles under 2 metres in diameter and height, maintaining 2 metres of clearance from flammable materials, burning only wood, brush or leaves, and calling the municipal office before each burn. Source: United Townships of Head, Clara & Maria, Seasonal Permit for Open Fire Under By-Law 2016-07, last checked 2026-07-02.
Are gas or propane fire pits allowed in Head, Clara and Maria?
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 Head, Clara and Maria today?
Burn permits are automatically revoked during municipal fire bans or MNRF Fire Zone Restrictions, which are posted on the municipal website fire prevention page. 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 Head, Clara and Maria?
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 Head, Clara and Maria's by-law any time of year.
What happens if I have a fire during a ban in Head, Clara and Maria?
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 United Townships of Head, Clara & Maria, Seasonal Permit for Open Fire Under By-Law 2016-07, last checked 2026-07-02. Permits are available from the municipal office; contact 613-586-2526 or hcminfocfischer@gmail.com.
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: Deep River, Laurentian Hills, Admaston/Bromley, Arnprior. Or see every municipality.