Backyard fires in Red Lake
Whether a backyard fire or fire pit is allowed in Red Lake, Ontario, the permit rule, coverage level, and how to check today's fire ban.
Fire permits are required in Red Lake during the fire season from April 1 to October 31. An Annual Permit costs $40 and allows a campfire or commercial fire pot no larger than 0.7m x 0.7m x 0.7m; a Level 1 Permit costs $10 for a 4-day grass or debris fire up to 2m x 2m x 2m. Level 2 and 3 permits are available for incinerators and large fires.
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
Every issued permit is nullified if a Restricted Fire Zone is declared; Red Lake is in the Kenora fire region and the provincial Restricted Fire Zone layer may apply during high hazard.
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 Red Lake
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.
Red Lake backyard fire questions
Can I have a backyard fire in Red Lake?
Fire permits are required in Red Lake during the fire season from April 1 to October 31. An Annual Permit costs $40 and allows a campfire or commercial fire pot no larger than 0.7m x 0.7m x 0.7m; a Level 1 Permit costs $10 for a 4-day grass or debris fire up to 2m x 2m x 2m. Level 2 and 3 permits are available for incinerators and large fires. Source: Municipality of Red Lake, Fire Permits, last checked 2026-07-02.
Are gas or propane fire pits allowed in Red Lake?
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 Red Lake today?
Every issued permit is nullified if a Restricted Fire Zone is declared; Red Lake is in the Kenora fire region and the provincial Restricted Fire Zone layer may apply during high hazard. 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 Red Lake?
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 Red Lake's by-law any time of year.
What happens if I have a fire during a ban in Red Lake?
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 Municipality of Red Lake, Fire Permits, last checked 2026-07-02. Apply and pay online through the municipal fire permits page, and read By-Law 38-2018 before 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: Ear Falls, Pickle Lake, Dryden, Ignace. Or see every municipality.