Backyard fires in Nipissing
Whether a backyard fire or fire pit is allowed in Nipissing, Ontario, the permit rule, coverage level, and how to check today's fire ban.
The Township of Nipissing requires an Open-Air Burning Fire Permit for all open-air burning except small campfires used for personal warmth or cooking. The fire season is April 1 to October 31; during that period fires may only be set no earlier than two hours before sunset and extinguished no later than two hours after sunrise. Campfires are limited to 1 metre by 1 metre by 1 metre and must be supervised.
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
All permits are considered cancelled and no open-air burning is permitted during a fire ban. Nipissing is in the Parry Sound 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 Nipissing
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.
Nipissing backyard fire questions
Can I have a backyard fire in Nipissing?
The Township of Nipissing requires an Open-Air Burning Fire Permit for all open-air burning except small campfires used for personal warmth or cooking. The fire season is April 1 to October 31; during that period fires may only be set no earlier than two hours before sunset and extinguished no later than two hours after sunrise. Campfires are limited to 1 metre by 1 metre by 1 metre and must be supervised. Source: Township of Nipissing, Township of Nipissing Fire Department, last checked 2026-07-02.
Are gas or propane fire pits allowed in Nipissing?
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 Nipissing today?
All permits are considered cancelled and no open-air burning is permitted during a fire ban. Nipissing is in the Parry Sound 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 Nipissing?
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 Nipissing's by-law any time of year.
What happens if I have a fire during a ban in Nipissing?
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 Nipissing, Township of Nipissing Fire Department, last checked 2026-07-02. Download the permit application from the township website and submit it by mail, fax at 705-724-5385, email at info@nipissingtownship.com, in person at 45 Beatty Street, or in the office drop box.
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: Armour, Burk’s Falls, Machar, Magnetawan. Or see every municipality.