Backyard fires in North Frontenac
Whether a backyard fire or fire pit is allowed in North Frontenac, Ontario, the permit rule, coverage level, and how to check today's fire ban.
North Frontenac allows campfires for cooking, warmth or recreational enjoyment without a permit, provided the fire does not exceed 1 metre in height and diameter, is built on bare mineral soil or rock, is at least 3 metres from flammable materials and is supervised by competent adults from start to extinguishment. Other open-air fires require a permit, and no non-cooking/warmth fires are allowed outdoors between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. from April 1 to October 31.
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 may declare a Fire Ban that prohibits campfires, incinerators, chimineas, fireworks and charcoal installations; bans are posted on the township website and at municipal offices. North Frontenac is in the Frontenac 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 North Frontenac
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 Frontenac backyard fire questions
Can I have a backyard fire in North Frontenac?
North Frontenac allows campfires for cooking, warmth or recreational enjoyment without a permit, provided the fire does not exceed 1 metre in height and diameter, is built on bare mineral soil or rock, is at least 3 metres from flammable materials and is supervised by competent adults from start to extinguishment. Other open-air fires require a permit, and no non-cooking/warmth fires are allowed outdoors between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. from April 1 to October 31. Source: Township of North Frontenac, Fire and Life Safety Information, last checked 2026-07-02.
Are gas or propane fire pits allowed in North Frontenac?
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 Frontenac today?
The Chief Fire Official may declare a Fire Ban that prohibits campfires, incinerators, chimineas, fireworks and charcoal installations; bans are posted on the township website and at municipal offices. North Frontenac is in the Frontenac 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 North Frontenac?
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 Frontenac's by-law any time of year.
What happens if I have a fire during a ban in North Frontenac?
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 North Frontenac, Fire and Life Safety Information, last checked 2026-07-02. All campfires must be completely extinguished before leaving; only clean combustible materials may be burned and materials such as rubber, plastics, foam or treated wood are prohibited.
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: Frontenac Islands, South Frontenac, Central Frontenac, Kingston. Or see every municipality.