Backyard fires in Pickering
Whether a backyard fire or fire pit is allowed in Pickering, Ontario, the permit rule, coverage level, and how to check today's fire ban.
Pickering does not allow open-air burning appliances at all on typical residential lots. Wood-burning devices like chimineas and backyard fire pits are prohibited under the Ontario Fire Code as adopted locally, and the city enforces this outright rather than through a permit system.
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
Because open burning is a year-round ban rather than a seasonal permit, there's no separate burn-ban announcement to watch for here; the rule doesn't change with dry weather, it's simply never allowed. Pickering is in southern Ontario, so the province's northern Restricted Fire Zone layer doesn't 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.
Pickering backyard fire questions
Can I have a backyard fire in Pickering?
Pickering does not allow open-air burning appliances at all on typical residential lots. Wood-burning devices like chimineas and backyard fire pits are prohibited under the Ontario Fire Code as adopted locally, and the city enforces this outright rather than through a permit system. Source: City of Pickering, Open Air Burning, last checked 2026-07-02.
Are gas or propane fire pits allowed in Pickering?
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 Pickering today?
Because open burning is a year-round ban rather than a seasonal permit, there's no separate burn-ban announcement to watch for here; the rule doesn't change with dry weather, it's simply never allowed. Pickering is in southern Ontario, so the province's northern Restricted Fire Zone layer doesn't 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 Pickering?
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 Pickering's by-law any time of year.
What happens if I have a fire during a ban in Pickering?
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 City of Pickering, Open Air Burning, last checked 2026-07-02. CSA or ULC-approved natural gas or propane fire pits with artificial logs are the one option the city allows instead, and violations can be charged under the Ontario Fire Code with fines up to $50,000.
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: Clarington, Ajax, Brock, Scugog. Or see every municipality.