Backyard fires in North Bay
Whether a backyard fire or fire pit is allowed in North Bay, Ontario, the permit rule, coverage level, and how to check today's fire ban.
North Bay allows open air burning in urban and rural areas only with a valid recreational burn permit. The device must be commercially manufactured with a maximum 24 by 24 inch footprint and 9 square feet volume, the burn area must be at least 20 feet from property lines and 6.5 feet from combustibles, and burning is allowed only between 7:30 p.m. and 1:00 a.m.
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
The Chief Fire Official or designate can suspend or revoke permits for safety reasons. North Bay is in the Nipissing fire region, so 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 North Bay
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.
North Bay backyard fire questions
Can I have a backyard fire in North Bay?
North Bay allows open air burning in urban and rural areas only with a valid recreational burn permit. The device must be commercially manufactured with a maximum 24 by 24 inch footprint and 9 square feet volume, the burn area must be at least 20 feet from property lines and 6.5 feet from combustibles, and burning is allowed only between 7:30 p.m. and 1:00 a.m. Source: City of North Bay, Good Neighbour Handbook, last checked 2026-07-02.
Are gas or propane fire pits allowed in North Bay?
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 North Bay today?
The Chief Fire Official or designate can suspend or revoke permits for safety reasons. North Bay is in the Nipissing fire region, so 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 North Bay?
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 North Bay's by-law any time of year.
What happens if I have a fire during a ban in North Bay?
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 City of North Bay, Good Neighbour Handbook, last checked 2026-07-02. Recreational burn permits can be purchased at City Hall Customer Service or through the city's online burning permit portal.
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: Calvin, East Ferris, Papineau-Cameron, Temagami. Or see every municipality.