Backyard fires in Northern Bruce Peninsula
Whether a backyard fire or fire pit is allowed in Northern Bruce Peninsula, Ontario, the permit rule, coverage level, and how to check today's fire ban.
Northern Bruce Peninsula requires an open-air burning permit for all outdoor fires, including campfires, from May through October. Free permits are available online or at the municipal office and must be activated by calling 1-855-336-1475 before each burn, except campfires which are activated for the year. Fires must be in approved pits, at least 4 metres from combustibles, and under 66 centimetres in size.
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; Northern Bruce Peninsula is in the Bruce 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 Northern Bruce Peninsula
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.
Northern Bruce Peninsula backyard fire questions
Can I have a backyard fire in Northern Bruce Peninsula?
Northern Bruce Peninsula requires an open-air burning permit for all outdoor fires, including campfires, from May through October. Free permits are available online or at the municipal office and must be activated by calling 1-855-336-1475 before each burn, except campfires which are activated for the year. Fires must be in approved pits, at least 4 metres from combustibles, and under 66 centimetres in size. Source: Municipality of Northern Bruce Peninsula, Fire & Emergency Services, last checked 2026-07-02.
Are gas or propane fire pits allowed in Northern Bruce Peninsula?
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 Northern Bruce Peninsula today?
The Fire Chief can declare fire bans; Northern Bruce Peninsula is in the Bruce 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 Northern Bruce Peninsula?
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 Northern Bruce Peninsula's by-law any time of year.
What happens if I have a fire during a ban in Northern Bruce Peninsula?
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 Northern Bruce Peninsula, Fire & Emergency Services, last checked 2026-07-02. Register online at nbp.burnpermits.com or visit the municipal office; campfires do not require a call before each burn but must follow By-Law No. 2019-47.
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: Brockton, Huron-Kinloss, Saugeen Shores, South Bruce. Or see every municipality.