Backyard fires in Lake of Bays
Whether a backyard fire or fire pit is allowed in Lake of Bays, Ontario, the permit rule, coverage level, and how to check today's fire ban.
Lake of Bays allows recreational open-air fires without a permit if they are confined to a fire pit or device no larger than 2 feet by 2 feet, located at least 6 metres from adjacent properties and combustible structures, and burn only clean dry wood, charcoal or briquettes. No daytime burning is allowed from April to October; recreational fires are permitted only between 6 p.m. and 8 a.m. Non-recreational or larger burns require permission from the Chief Fire Official.
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 Chief Fire Official may declare a total ban against open-air burning and fireworks when conditions are hazardous; bans are advertised through local media. Lake of Bays is in the Muskoka 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 Lake of Bays
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.
Lake of Bays backyard fire questions
Can I have a backyard fire in Lake of Bays?
Lake of Bays allows recreational open-air fires without a permit if they are confined to a fire pit or device no larger than 2 feet by 2 feet, located at least 6 metres from adjacent properties and combustible structures, and burn only clean dry wood, charcoal or briquettes. No daytime burning is allowed from April to October; recreational fires are permitted only between 6 p.m. and 8 a.m. Non-recreational or larger burns require permission from the Chief Fire Official. Source: Township of Lake of Bays, Outdoor Burning By-law 2013-003, last checked 2026-07-02.
Are gas or propane fire pits allowed in Lake of Bays?
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 Lake of Bays today?
The Chief Fire Official may declare a total ban against open-air burning and fireworks when conditions are hazardous; bans are advertised through local media. Lake of Bays is in the Muskoka 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 Lake of Bays?
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 Lake of Bays's by-law any time of year.
What happens if I have a fire during a ban in Lake of Bays?
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 Lake of Bays, Outdoor Burning By-law 2013-003, last checked 2026-07-02. Contact the Huntsville/Lake of Bays Fire Department Fire Prevention Officer at 705-789-5201 ext. 3609 for permission to burn larger piles or during prohibited times.
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: Bracebridge, Gravenhurst, Huntsville, Georgian Bay. Or see every municipality.