Backyard fires in Quinte West
Whether a backyard fire or fire pit is allowed in Quinte West, Ontario, the permit rule, coverage level, and how to check today's fire ban.
Quinte West requires a burn permit for all open-air fires, but the rules vary by ward. Open-air burning is not permitted in Ward 1 (Trenton) and Ward 4 (Frankford), while Wards 2 (Sidney) and 3 (Murray) allow it by permit. Recreational fire pits can be up to 3 m by 3 m and must be at least 50 m from any structure and 10 m from any property line. Small gas, liquid-fuel, charcoal or covered hibachi/masonry barbecue devices may be used without a permit in safe areas at grade. Farm permits are free for properties of at least 12 hectares.
Municipal ruleAlso covers Trenton.
Gas 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 issue burning bans, revoke permits or prohibit a person from receiving permits when conditions warrant; notices are posted on the municipal 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 Quinte West
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.
Quinte West backyard fire questions
Can I have a backyard fire in Quinte West?
Quinte West requires a burn permit for all open-air fires, but the rules vary by ward. Open-air burning is not permitted in Ward 1 (Trenton) and Ward 4 (Frankford), while Wards 2 (Sidney) and 3 (Murray) allow it by permit. Recreational fire pits can be up to 3 m by 3 m and must be at least 50 m from any structure and 10 m from any property line. Small gas, liquid-fuel, charcoal or covered hibachi/masonry barbecue devices may be used without a permit in safe areas at grade. Farm permits are free for properties of at least 12 hectares. Source: City of Quinte West - Open Air Burning Permits, last checked 2026-07-02.
Are gas or propane fire pits allowed in Quinte West?
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 Quinte West today?
The Fire Chief can issue burning bans, revoke permits or prohibit a person from receiving permits when conditions warrant; notices are posted on the municipal 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 Quinte West?
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 Quinte West's by-law any time of year.
What happens if I have a fire during a ban in Quinte West?
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 Quinte West - Open Air Burning Permits, last checked 2026-07-02. Open-air burning is not allowed in Ward 1 (Trenton) and Ward 4 (Frankford); permits are required in Wards 2 (Sidney) and 3 (Murray).
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: Bancroft, Centre Hastings, Hastings Highlands, Limerick. Or see every municipality.