Backyard fires in Papineau-Cameron
Whether a backyard fire or fire pit is allowed in Papineau-Cameron, Ontario, the permit rule, coverage level, and how to check today's fire ban.
Papineau-Cameron does not require permits for open-air fires, but By-Law No. 2011-05 sets strict rules. Fires must burn only piled wood, brush, leaves or discarded wood by-products in a single pile under 2 metres in diameter and height, started no earlier than two hours before sunset and extinguished no later than two hours after sunrise during the fire season. Fires must be at least 2 metres from combustibles, supervised, and never left unattended.
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 order any fire extinguished or enact a fire ban; Papineau-Cameron is in the Nipissing 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 Papineau-Cameron
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.
Papineau-Cameron backyard fire questions
Can I have a backyard fire in Papineau-Cameron?
Papineau-Cameron does not require permits for open-air fires, but By-Law No. 2011-05 sets strict rules. Fires must burn only piled wood, brush, leaves or discarded wood by-products in a single pile under 2 metres in diameter and height, started no earlier than two hours before sunset and extinguished no later than two hours after sunrise during the fire season. Fires must be at least 2 metres from combustibles, supervised, and never left unattended. Source: Township of Papineau-Cameron, Burning By-Law, last checked 2026-07-02.
Are gas or propane fire pits allowed in Papineau-Cameron?
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 Papineau-Cameron today?
The Chief Fire Official may order any fire extinguished or enact a fire ban; Papineau-Cameron is in the Nipissing 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 Papineau-Cameron?
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 Papineau-Cameron's by-law any time of year.
What happens if I have a fire during a ban in Papineau-Cameron?
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 Papineau-Cameron, Burning By-Law, last checked 2026-07-02. Crop residue, grass or leaf litter burning requires permission from the Chief Fire Official; no kitchen garbage, construction materials, rubber, plastic, petroleum or tar may be burned.
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: Calvin, East Ferris, Temagami, Bonfield. Or see every municipality.