Backyard fires in Lake of the Woods
Whether a backyard fire or fire pit is allowed in Lake of the Woods, Ontario, the permit rule, coverage level, and how to check today's fire ban.
Lake of the Woods does not require a permit for a small recreational fire used for cooking or warmth if it is less than one metre in diameter and height, confined in a fire pit or ring, supervised at all times, and at least 10 metres from structures or combustible materials. A permit is required for larger brush, grass or agricultural burns.
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 issue a fire ban for the township at which time all open-air burning is prohibited. Lake of the Woods is in the Rainy River 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 the Woods
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 the Woods backyard fire questions
Can I have a backyard fire in Lake of the Woods?
Lake of the Woods does not require a permit for a small recreational fire used for cooking or warmth if it is less than one metre in diameter and height, confined in a fire pit or ring, supervised at all times, and at least 10 metres from structures or combustible materials. A permit is required for larger brush, grass or agricultural burns. Source: Township of Lake of the Woods, Open Air Burning By-law No. 309, last checked 2026-07-02.
Are gas or propane fire pits allowed in Lake of the Woods?
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 the Woods today?
The Chief Fire Official may issue a fire ban for the township at which time all open-air burning is prohibited. Lake of the Woods is in the Rainy River 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 the Woods?
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 the Woods's by-law any time of year.
What happens if I have a fire during a ban in Lake of the Woods?
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 the Woods, Open Air Burning By-law No. 309, last checked 2026-07-02. Permit applications must be submitted to the Lake of the Woods Fire Service at least 48 hours in advance when a site inspection is required.
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: Alberton, Chapple, Dawson, Emo. Or see every municipality.