Backyard fires in Milton
Whether a backyard fire or fire pit is allowed in Milton, Ontario, the permit rule, coverage level, and how to check today's fire ban.
Milton requires a burn permit for every open fire, whether it's a contained backyard fire in an outdoor fire container or a larger brush pile, under By-law 048-2011. A permit runs about $50 and is good for the calendar year; an outdoor fire container can't exceed 2 feet in each dimension and must sit 5 metres from buildings, fences or anything combustible, while brush fires can be up to 4 feet and need a 15-metre clearance. Propane and natural-gas fire pits are the only exception and don't need a permit.
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 Milton declares a burn ban, all bonfires, campfires, brush fires and agricultural burns are prohibited, and every permit is put on hold until it's lifted; check the town's news page for status. Milton is in southern Ontario, outside the province's Restricted Fire Zone.
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 Milton
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.
Milton backyard fire questions
Can I have a backyard fire in Milton?
Milton requires a burn permit for every open fire, whether it's a contained backyard fire in an outdoor fire container or a larger brush pile, under By-law 048-2011. A permit runs about $50 and is good for the calendar year; an outdoor fire container can't exceed 2 feet in each dimension and must sit 5 metres from buildings, fences or anything combustible, while brush fires can be up to 4 feet and need a 15-metre clearance. Propane and natural-gas fire pits are the only exception and don't need a permit. Source: Town of Milton, Burn Permits, last checked 2026-07-02.
Are gas or propane fire pits allowed in Milton?
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 Milton today?
When Milton declares a burn ban, all bonfires, campfires, brush fires and agricultural burns are prohibited, and every permit is put on hold until it's lifted; check the town's news page for status. Milton is in southern Ontario, outside the province's Restricted Fire Zone. 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 Milton?
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 Milton's by-law any time of year.
What happens if I have a fire during a ban in Milton?
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 Milton, Burn Permits, last checked 2026-07-02. Apply online through Milton's burn permit portal or by appointment with Fire & Rescue Services, and the fee is non-refundable once paid.
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: Burlington, Oakville, Halton Hills, Halton, Regional Municipality of. Or see every municipality.