Backyard fires in Ryerson
Whether a backyard fire or fire pit is allowed in Ryerson, Ontario, the permit rule, coverage level, and how to check today's fire ban.
Recreational campfires for cooking or warmth are exempt from permits under Ryerson Open Air Fire By-law 31-17, but must sit in a pit or device no larger than 2 ft by 2 ft, burn only clean dry wood or charcoal, and stay 6 m from structures and adjacent properties. Larger non-recreational fires or piles over 2 m in diameter or height require a Chief Fire Official permit, and all open-air fires are banned when the Chief Fire Official or MNR declares a total fire ban.
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
Fire bans are declared by the Chief Fire Official or the Ministry of Natural Resources when conditions are hazardous and are advertised through local media and fire-rated signs. Ryerson is in the Parry Sound fire region, so provincial Restricted Fire Zone declarations also 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.
Backyard fire safety in Ryerson
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.
Ryerson backyard fire questions
Can I have a backyard fire in Ryerson?
Recreational campfires for cooking or warmth are exempt from permits under Ryerson Open Air Fire By-law 31-17, but must sit in a pit or device no larger than 2 ft by 2 ft, burn only clean dry wood or charcoal, and stay 6 m from structures and adjacent properties. Larger non-recreational fires or piles over 2 m in diameter or height require a Chief Fire Official permit, and all open-air fires are banned when the Chief Fire Official or MNR declares a total fire ban. Source: Township of Ryerson, Open Air Fire By-law 31-17, last checked 2026-07-02.
Are gas or propane fire pits allowed in Ryerson?
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 Ryerson today?
Fire bans are declared by the Chief Fire Official or the Ministry of Natural Resources when conditions are hazardous and are advertised through local media and fire-rated signs. Ryerson is in the Parry Sound fire region, so provincial Restricted Fire Zone declarations also 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 Ryerson?
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 Ryerson's by-law any time of year.
What happens if I have a fire during a ban in Ryerson?
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 Ryerson, Open Air Fire By-law 31-17, last checked 2026-07-02. Have water or an extinguisher on hand, and fires must be supervised by a competent adult until fully out.
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: Armour, Burk’s Falls, Machar, Magnetawan. Or see every municipality.