Backyard fires in Pelham
Whether a backyard fire or fire pit is allowed in Pelham, Ontario, the permit rule, coverage level, and how to check today's fire ban.
The Town of Pelham requires a written permit for recreational open-air burns such as backyard campfires. New permits cost $50 and renewals $25 per calendar year, issued after an inspector approves the burn pit. Fires must use clean dry wood only, be no larger than 0.6 m by 0.6 m by 0.6 m, kept 3 m from combustibles and 4 m from property lines, burn only between noon and midnight, and not occur when winds exceed 20 km/h or a burn ban is in effect. Non-recreational agricultural burns require Fire Department notification and permission.
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 may declare an open-air burn ban, which rescinds existing permits and prohibits new burns.
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 Pelham
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.
Pelham backyard fire questions
Can I have a backyard fire in Pelham?
The Town of Pelham requires a written permit for recreational open-air burns such as backyard campfires. New permits cost $50 and renewals $25 per calendar year, issued after an inspector approves the burn pit. Fires must use clean dry wood only, be no larger than 0.6 m by 0.6 m by 0.6 m, kept 3 m from combustibles and 4 m from property lines, burn only between noon and midnight, and not occur when winds exceed 20 km/h or a burn ban is in effect. Non-recreational agricultural burns require Fire Department notification and permission. Source: Town of Pelham Fire Services, last checked 2026-07-02.
Are gas or propane fire pits allowed in Pelham?
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 Pelham today?
The Fire Chief may declare an open-air burn ban, which rescinds existing permits and prohibits new burns. 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 Pelham?
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 Pelham's by-law any time of year.
What happens if I have a fire during a ban in Pelham?
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 Pelham Fire Services, last checked 2026-07-02. Apply by contacting the Pelham Fire Department at 905-892-2607 extension 201 or by email; an inspector will visit the property to approve the pit.
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: Fort Erie, Port Colborne, St. Catharines, Welland. Or see every municipality.