Backyard fires in Perth
Whether a backyard fire or fire pit is allowed in Perth, Ontario, the permit rule, coverage level, and how to check today's fire ban.
The Town of Perth requires an active burn permit for any type of open-air burning, including campfires, chimineas and other outdoor fires. Residents obtain a single free annual permit online that stays active until December 31. The Open Air Fire By-law sets out setback, supervision, materials and extinguishment rules, and the Fire Chief can declare burn bans that override permits.
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 can declare burn bans that override permits when conditions are unsafe; notices are posted on the town website.
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
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 backyard fire questions
Can I have a backyard fire in Perth?
The Town of Perth requires an active burn permit for any type of open-air burning, including campfires, chimineas and other outdoor fires. Residents obtain a single free annual permit online that stays active until December 31. The Open Air Fire By-law sets out setback, supervision, materials and extinguishment rules, and the Fire Chief can declare burn bans that override permits. Source: Town of Perth - Applications, Licences, and Permits, last checked 2026-07-02.
Are gas or propane fire pits allowed in Perth?
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 today?
The Fire Chief can declare burn bans that override permits when conditions are unsafe; notices are posted on the town website. 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?
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's by-law any time of year.
What happens if I have a fire during a ban in Perth?
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 Perth - Applications, Licences, and Permits, last checked 2026-07-02. The single free annual burn permit stays active until December 31 and is obtained online.
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: Beckwith, Drummond/North Elmsley, Lanark Highlands, Mississippi Mills. Or see every municipality.