Backyard fires in Parry Sound
Whether a backyard fire or fire pit is allowed in Parry Sound, Ontario, the permit rule, coverage level, and how to check today's fire ban.
Parry Sound requires a valid annual fire permit for every open-air fire, including campfires in approved outdoor fireplaces. Fires may not exceed 75 cm in diameter or 90 cm in height, must be on a non-combustible surface, and must stay 8 m from property lines, buildings, structures, hedges, fences, streets, vegetation or overhead wires - or 3.5 m when using an outdoor fireplace with a spark screen. There is an absolute prohibition area in the downtown core where no burning is allowed, and special approvals are suspended when the fire danger rating is high.
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
Parry Sound lies in the Parry Sound District, which can be placed under a provincial Restricted Fire Zone during periods of high fire risk; a municipal permit does not override an RFZ order, and all burning is banned under an extreme rating or total fire ban.
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 Parry Sound
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.
Parry Sound backyard fire questions
Can I have a backyard fire in Parry Sound?
Parry Sound requires a valid annual fire permit for every open-air fire, including campfires in approved outdoor fireplaces. Fires may not exceed 75 cm in diameter or 90 cm in height, must be on a non-combustible surface, and must stay 8 m from property lines, buildings, structures, hedges, fences, streets, vegetation or overhead wires - or 3.5 m when using an outdoor fireplace with a spark screen. There is an absolute prohibition area in the downtown core where no burning is allowed, and special approvals are suspended when the fire danger rating is high. Source: Town of Parry Sound - Open Air Burning, last checked 2026-07-02.
Are gas or propane fire pits allowed in Parry Sound?
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 Parry Sound today?
Parry Sound lies in the Parry Sound District, which can be placed under a provincial Restricted Fire Zone during periods of high fire risk; a municipal permit does not override an RFZ order, and all burning is banned under an extreme rating or total fire ban. 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 Parry Sound?
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 Parry Sound's by-law any time of year.
What happens if I have a fire during a ban in Parry Sound?
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 Parry Sound - Open Air Burning, last checked 2026-07-02. Annual fire permits are purchased online through Firepermits.online, and the town updates the fire danger rating on signs at the north and south entrances and at the transfer station.
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: Armour, Burk’s Falls, Machar, Magnetawan. Or see every municipality.