Backyard fires in Perth East
Whether a backyard fire or fire pit is allowed in Perth East, Ontario, the permit rule, coverage level, and how to check today's fire ban.
Perth East allows contained-site campfires without a permit between sunset and sunrise, provided they follow Schedule A of By-law No. 30-2021. Open-air controlled burns for brush and approved materials require Fire Chief permission, with at least 30 minutes notice during weekday office hours. All fires must be attended by a responsible person, use clean dry wood or approved materials, and stay at least 25 feet from combustible structures and property lines. Daylight-only burning applies to controlled burns.
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 issue Stage I or Stage II fire bans; Stage I allows contained-site campfires at approved campgrounds and barbecues, while Stage II bans all open-air fires except barbecues.
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 Perth East
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.
Perth East backyard fire questions
Can I have a backyard fire in Perth East?
Perth East allows contained-site campfires without a permit between sunset and sunrise, provided they follow Schedule A of By-law No. 30-2021. Open-air controlled burns for brush and approved materials require Fire Chief permission, with at least 30 minutes notice during weekday office hours. All fires must be attended by a responsible person, use clean dry wood or approved materials, and stay at least 25 feet from combustible structures and property lines. Daylight-only burning applies to controlled burns. Source: Township of Perth East, Open Air Fire By-law No. 30-2021, last checked 2026-07-02.
Are gas or propane fire pits allowed in Perth East?
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 Perth East today?
The Fire Chief may issue Stage I or Stage II fire bans; Stage I allows contained-site campfires at approved campgrounds and barbecues, while Stage II bans all open-air fires except barbecues. 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 Perth East?
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 Perth East's by-law any time of year.
What happens if I have a fire during a ban in Perth East?
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 Perth East, Open Air Fire By-law No. 30-2021, last checked 2026-07-02. Burn barrels and flying lanterns are prohibited; agricultural structures may not be burned freestanding and require Fire Chief inspection before demolition burning.
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: North Perth, Stratford, Perth South, St. Marys. Or see every municipality.