Backyard fires in Niagara-on-the-Lake
Whether a backyard fire or fire pit is allowed in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, the permit rule, coverage level, and how to check today's fire ban.
The Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake does not allow residential open-air burning. Permission to burn is only granted outside the urban boundary through an annual online fillable form, and the applicant must call Customer Service or Fire and Emergency Services at 905-468-3266 before a controlled burn. Contravention can result in cost recovery by the Fire Department.
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
Temporary fire bans are declared by Niagara-on-the-Lake Fire and Emergency Services and posted on the town website. Niagara-on-the-Lake is outside the provincial legislated fire region, so municipal bans are the local restriction to watch.
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.
Niagara-on-the-Lake backyard fire questions
Can I have a backyard fire in Niagara-on-the-Lake?
The Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake does not allow residential open-air burning. Permission to burn is only granted outside the urban boundary through an annual online fillable form, and the applicant must call Customer Service or Fire and Emergency Services at 905-468-3266 before a controlled burn. Contravention can result in cost recovery by the Fire Department. Source: Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake, Open Air Burns, last checked 2026-07-02.
Are gas or propane fire pits allowed in Niagara-on-the-Lake?
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 Niagara-on-the-Lake today?
Temporary fire bans are declared by Niagara-on-the-Lake Fire and Emergency Services and posted on the town website. Niagara-on-the-Lake is outside the provincial legislated fire region, so municipal bans are the local restriction to watch. 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 Niagara-on-the-Lake?
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 Niagara-on-the-Lake's by-law any time of year.
What happens if I have a fire during a ban in Niagara-on-the-Lake?
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 Niagara-on-the-Lake, Open Air Burns, last checked 2026-07-02. Call 905-468-3266 or use the online fillable form on the town website to apply for permission to burn outside the urban boundary.
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: Fort Erie, Port Colborne, St. Catharines, Welland. Or see every municipality.