Backyard fires in Shelburne
Whether a backyard fire or fire pit is allowed in Shelburne, Ontario, the permit rule, coverage level, and how to check today's fire ban.
Shelburne permits open-air contained fires in ULC or CSA-approved containers such as metal or ceramic barbecues, furnaces or chimineas, provided they are placed and operated safely. Open-air uncontained fires are generally not permitted, except with written Fire Chief approval for agricultural operations that are well away from built-up areas. Tires, paint, asphalt, chemicals, garbage, refuse and paper cannot be burned, and anyone lighting a permitted fire must notify authorities, keep extinguishing equipment on hand, and never leave the fire unattended.
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
The Fire Chief can suspend or prohibit open-air burning in dry or unsafe conditions; notices are posted on the town 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 Shelburne
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.
Shelburne backyard fire questions
Can I have a backyard fire in Shelburne?
Shelburne permits open-air contained fires in ULC or CSA-approved containers such as metal or ceramic barbecues, furnaces or chimineas, provided they are placed and operated safely. Open-air uncontained fires are generally not permitted, except with written Fire Chief approval for agricultural operations that are well away from built-up areas. Tires, paint, asphalt, chemicals, garbage, refuse and paper cannot be burned, and anyone lighting a permitted fire must notify authorities, keep extinguishing equipment on hand, and never leave the fire unattended. Source: Town of Shelburne - Fire Setting By-law No. 22-2003, last checked 2026-07-02.
Are gas or propane fire pits allowed in Shelburne?
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 Shelburne today?
The Fire Chief can suspend or prohibit open-air burning in dry or unsafe conditions; notices are posted on the town 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 Shelburne?
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 Shelburne's by-law any time of year.
What happens if I have a fire during a ban in Shelburne?
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 Town of Shelburne - Fire Setting By-law No. 22-2003, last checked 2026-07-02. Open-air contained fires are permitted in ULC or CSA-approved containers operated safely; uncontained fires require written Fire Chief approval and are limited to agricultural zones.
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: Mulmur, Amaranth, East Garafraxa, Grand Valley. Or see every municipality.