Backyard fires in Severn
Whether a backyard fire or fire pit is allowed in Severn, Ontario, the permit rule, coverage level, and how to check today's fire ban.
Township of Severn requires a fire permit for all open-air burning under By-law No. 2021-23. An annual residential permit costs $25.65 and covers fires 61 cm in diameter or less burning clean dry wood or tree branches; agricultural permits cost $76.95. Fires must be no larger than 61 cm in any direction, at least 6.1 m from anything combustible, supervised by someone 18 or older, and only one fire is allowed at a time.
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
Severn Fire and Emergency Services can issue municipal-wide fire bans; no burning of any kind is permitted during a ban or when the fire danger rating is extreme, and fireworks are also prohibited during a fire ban.
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 Severn
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.
Severn backyard fire questions
Can I have a backyard fire in Severn?
Township of Severn requires a fire permit for all open-air burning under By-law No. 2021-23. An annual residential permit costs $25.65 and covers fires 61 cm in diameter or less burning clean dry wood or tree branches; agricultural permits cost $76.95. Fires must be no larger than 61 cm in any direction, at least 6.1 m from anything combustible, supervised by someone 18 or older, and only one fire is allowed at a time. Source: Township of Severn, Open-Air Burning and Permits, last checked 2026-07-02.
Are gas or propane fire pits allowed in Severn?
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 Severn today?
Severn Fire and Emergency Services can issue municipal-wide fire bans; no burning of any kind is permitted during a ban or when the fire danger rating is extreme, and fireworks are also prohibited during a fire ban. 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 Severn?
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 Severn's by-law any time of year.
What happens if I have a fire during a ban in Severn?
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 Severn, Open-Air Burning and Permits, last checked 2026-07-02. Annual residential permits can be purchased online with Mastercard, Visa or Visa debit, or at the Administration Office at 1024 Hurlwood Lane, and are valid until December 31 of the year issued.
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: Innisfil, Orillia, Ramara, Wasaga Beach. Or see every municipality.