Backyard fires in Russell
Whether a backyard fire or fire pit is allowed in Russell, Ontario, the permit rule, coverage level, and how to check today's fire ban.
Russell allows small recreational campfires for warmth, cooking or enjoyment without a permit, as long as they are no larger than 0.5 cubic metres, contained, at least 4.5 metres from property lines, structures, brush or wooden areas, not in a front yard, supervised by an adult, and not a nuisance. All other open-air burning of wood materials, including farm and rural fires, requires a $40 permit applied for at least 24 hours in advance. Permits are not issued within village limits, subdivisions or built-up areas.
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
If a fire ban is in effect, no fires are allowed even with a permit; residents should check the Fire Ban Notices page or contact Public Safety and Enforcement.
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 Russell
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.
Russell backyard fire questions
Can I have a backyard fire in Russell?
Russell allows small recreational campfires for warmth, cooking or enjoyment without a permit, as long as they are no larger than 0.5 cubic metres, contained, at least 4.5 metres from property lines, structures, brush or wooden areas, not in a front yard, supervised by an adult, and not a nuisance. All other open-air burning of wood materials, including farm and rural fires, requires a $40 permit applied for at least 24 hours in advance. Permits are not issued within village limits, subdivisions or built-up areas. Source: Township of Russell - Fire Permits, last checked 2026-07-02.
Are gas or propane fire pits allowed in Russell?
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 Russell today?
If a fire ban is in effect, no fires are allowed even with a permit; residents should check the Fire Ban Notices page or contact Public Safety and Enforcement. 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 Russell?
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 Russell's by-law any time of year.
What happens if I have a fire during a ban in Russell?
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 Russell - Fire Permits, last checked 2026-07-02. Fire permits cost $40, are valid for 3 days on properties under 10 acres and 3 months on properties of 10 acres or more, and can be paid in person at 225 Industriel Street in Embrun or by phone at 613-443-3066 extension 8.
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: Alfred and Plantagenet, East Hawkesbury, The Nation Municipality, Casselman. Or see every municipality.