Backyard fires in North Middlesex
Whether a backyard fire or fire pit is allowed in North Middlesex, Ontario, the permit rule, coverage level, and how to check today's fire ban.
North Middlesex requires controlled burns to be approved by the Fire Chief before burning. Residents must contact Fire Chief Scott Jones at 519-294-6244 ext. 3235 or 519-494-6001 to obtain approval, provide the 911 address, pile size and contents, and ensure winds are less than 15 km/h, constant competent supervision, and notification to Fire Dispatch at 519-245-1300 or 1-844-220-1300 before and after the burn.
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 municipality may declare county-wide or local burn bans; North Middlesex 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.
Backyard fire safety in North Middlesex
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 Middlesex backyard fire questions
Can I have a backyard fire in North Middlesex?
North Middlesex requires controlled burns to be approved by the Fire Chief before burning. Residents must contact Fire Chief Scott Jones at 519-294-6244 ext. 3235 or 519-494-6001 to obtain approval, provide the 911 address, pile size and contents, and ensure winds are less than 15 km/h, constant competent supervision, and notification to Fire Dispatch at 519-245-1300 or 1-844-220-1300 before and after the burn. Source: Municipality of North Middlesex, Fire & Emergency Services, last checked 2026-07-02.
Are gas or propane fire pits allowed in North Middlesex?
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 Middlesex today?
The municipality may declare county-wide or local burn bans; North Middlesex 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 North Middlesex?
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 Middlesex's by-law any time of year.
What happens if I have a fire during a ban in North Middlesex?
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 Municipality of North Middlesex, Fire & Emergency Services, last checked 2026-07-02. See By-Law 78 of 2020 Open Burn on the municipal website for the full regulations and fine schedule.
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: Adelaide-Metcalfe, Middlesex Centre, Southwest Middlesex, Strathroy-Caradoc. Or see every municipality.