Backyard fires in Ottawa
Whether a backyard fire or fire pit is allowed in Ottawa, Ontario, the permit rule, coverage level, and how to check today's fire ban.
Open-air fires are not permitted in Ottawa except in the areas set out in the bylaw, which are mostly rural, and a burn permit is required there. Outdoor fireplaces are not permitted in urban areas. So in most of urban Ottawa a backyard wood fire is not allowed.
Gas versus wood
Gas and propane fire pits are not open-air wood fires and are generally allowed, subject to safe use.
Today's fire ban
The Fire Chief can declare a city-wide fire ban based on conditions, during which no one may set or maintain any open-air fire anywhere in the city.
For the provincial layer, check Ontario's fire restrictions and the Forest Fire Information Map, which show Restricted Fire Zones across the fire region.
Ottawa backyard fire questions
Can I have a backyard fire in Ottawa?
Open-air fires are not permitted in Ottawa except in the areas set out in the bylaw, which are mostly rural, and a burn permit is required there. Outdoor fireplaces are not permitted in urban areas. So in most of urban Ottawa a backyard wood fire is not allowed. Source: City of Ottawa, last checked 2026-06-24.
Are gas or propane fire pits allowed in Ottawa?
Gas and propane fire pits are not open-air wood fires and are generally allowed, subject to safe use.
How do I know if there is a fire ban in Ottawa today?
The Fire Chief can declare a city-wide fire ban based on conditions, during which no one may set or maintain any open-air fire anywhere in the city. 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.
Source
From City of Ottawa, last checked 2026-06-24. Ottawa's open-air fire bylaw is 2004-163. Whether your address qualifies depends on the rural areas it lists, so confirm before applying for a permit.
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: Kitchener, London, Mississauga, Hamilton. Or see every municipality.