Backyard fires in Northeastern Manitoulin and The Islands
Whether a backyard fire or fire pit is allowed in Northeastern Manitoulin and The Islands, Ontario, the permit rule, coverage level, and how to check today's fire ban.
The Town of Northeastern Manitoulin and the Islands requires a free Open Air Burning Permit for all fires larger than 6 feet by 6 feet. Smaller fires do not need a permit. Residents can obtain the permit at the municipal office at 14 Water Street East in Little Current or by completing the online application form and returning it for Fire Chief approval.
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 Fire Chief can declare fire bans; bans are posted on the municipal website. NEMI is in the Manitoulin 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 Northeastern Manitoulin and The Islands
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.
Northeastern Manitoulin and The Islands backyard fire questions
Can I have a backyard fire in Northeastern Manitoulin and The Islands?
The Town of Northeastern Manitoulin and the Islands requires a free Open Air Burning Permit for all fires larger than 6 feet by 6 feet. Smaller fires do not need a permit. Residents can obtain the permit at the municipal office at 14 Water Street East in Little Current or by completing the online application form and returning it for Fire Chief approval. Source: Town of Northeastern Manitoulin and the Islands, Fire Department, last checked 2026-07-02.
Are gas or propane fire pits allowed in Northeastern Manitoulin and The Islands?
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 Northeastern Manitoulin and The Islands today?
The Fire Chief can declare fire bans; bans are posted on the municipal website. NEMI is in the Manitoulin 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 Northeastern Manitoulin and The Islands?
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 Northeastern Manitoulin and The Islands's by-law any time of year.
What happens if I have a fire during a ban in Northeastern Manitoulin and The Islands?
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 Northeastern Manitoulin and the Islands, Fire Department, last checked 2026-07-02. Contact the Fire Department at 705-368-3500 ext. 240 or fire@townofnemi.on.ca for questions; report out-of-control fires by calling 9-1-1.
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: Billings, Burpee and Mills, Central Manitoulin, Gordon/Barrie Island. Or see every municipality.