Backyard fires in Midland
Whether a backyard fire or fire pit is allowed in Midland, Ontario, the permit rule, coverage level, and how to check today's fire ban.
Midland allows recreational backyard fires only after the property owner or authorized agent buys an annual Open-Air Burn Permit and follows the Open-Air Burning By-law. Permits are valid until December 31 of the year issued and must be visible from the road while the fire is burning. Cooking fires on grills, barbecues and gas-fired outdoor appliances are normally exempt, and the Fire Chief can issue a ban that cancels all permits.
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
When the town's fire danger rating reaches Extreme, a fire ban is in effect, all current permits are suspended and fireworks are banned; the rating is posted on the Fire Danger Rating 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 Midland
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.
Midland backyard fire questions
Can I have a backyard fire in Midland?
Midland allows recreational backyard fires only after the property owner or authorized agent buys an annual Open-Air Burn Permit and follows the Open-Air Burning By-law. Permits are valid until December 31 of the year issued and must be visible from the road while the fire is burning. Cooking fires on grills, barbecues and gas-fired outdoor appliances are normally exempt, and the Fire Chief can issue a ban that cancels all permits. Source: Town of Midland - Fire Permits & Inspections, last checked 2026-07-02.
Are gas or propane fire pits allowed in Midland?
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 Midland today?
When the town's fire danger rating reaches Extreme, a fire ban is in effect, all current permits are suspended and fireworks are banned; the rating is posted on the Fire Danger Rating 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 Midland?
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 Midland's by-law any time of year.
What happens if I have a fire during a ban in Midland?
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 Town of Midland - Fire Permits & Inspections, last checked 2026-07-02. Permits are valid from the date of purchase until December 31 of the same year and must be visible from the road while the fire is burning.
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: Innisfil, Orillia, Ramara, Wasaga Beach. Or see every municipality.