Backyard fires in Mulmur
Whether a backyard fire or fire pit is allowed in Mulmur, Ontario, the permit rule, coverage level, and how to check today's fire ban.
Mulmur Township does not issue burn permits; open-air fires are allowed under By-law 18-2023. Fires must be supervised, have an extinguishing agent, stay at least 15 m from buildings/roads/fences, maintain a 4.5 m clear space, and burn only clean dry wood. Rural fires are limited to 3 m diameter by 2 m high, hamlet fires to 1 m diameter by 2 m high, and burning is allowed only during daylight hours. Cooking campfires are limited to 1 m by 1 m and must be 6 m from obstructions. Barbecues and approved appliances are exempt.
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
Fires and fireworks are prohibited when wind velocity exceeds 16 kph, during periods of dry conditions or drought, or when the Fire Chief declares a prohibition.
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 Mulmur
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.
Mulmur backyard fire questions
Can I have a backyard fire in Mulmur?
Mulmur Township does not issue burn permits; open-air fires are allowed under By-law 18-2023. Fires must be supervised, have an extinguishing agent, stay at least 15 m from buildings/roads/fences, maintain a 4.5 m clear space, and burn only clean dry wood. Rural fires are limited to 3 m diameter by 2 m high, hamlet fires to 1 m diameter by 2 m high, and burning is allowed only during daylight hours. Cooking campfires are limited to 1 m by 1 m and must be 6 m from obstructions. Barbecues and approved appliances are exempt. Source: Township of Mulmur, Open Air Fire By-law No. 18-2023, last checked 2026-07-02.
Are gas or propane fire pits allowed in Mulmur?
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 Mulmur today?
Fires and fireworks are prohibited when wind velocity exceeds 16 kph, during periods of dry conditions or drought, or when the Fire Chief declares a prohibition. 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 Mulmur?
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 Mulmur's by-law any time of year.
What happens if I have a fire during a ban in Mulmur?
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 Mulmur, Open Air Fire By-law No. 18-2023, last checked 2026-07-02. No permit is required. For fires larger than the permitted sizes, contact the applicable fire department to request permission and a site inspection.
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: Shelburne, Amaranth, East Garafraxa, Grand Valley. Or see every municipality.