Backyard fires in Shuniah
Whether a backyard fire or fire pit is allowed in Shuniah, Ontario, the permit rule, coverage level, and how to check today's fire ban.
The Municipality of Shuniah requires an open-air burning permit for fire pits, outdoor fireplaces and chimineas under By-law #2649-13. A permit campfire is limited to 1 m x 1 m x 1 m, a brush pile to 1.8 m x 1.8 m x 1.8 m, and open burning is restricted to after 5 p.m. until 8 a.m. from April 1 to October 31. The permit runs from the application date to December 31 of the same year and must be kept at the burn site.
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 revoke permits at any time and a Total Burn Ban can be declared; because Shuniah is in the Thunder Bay fire region, provincial Restricted Fire Zone declarations also apply and can override permits.
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 Shuniah
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.
Shuniah backyard fire questions
Can I have a backyard fire in Shuniah?
The Municipality of Shuniah requires an open-air burning permit for fire pits, outdoor fireplaces and chimineas under By-law #2649-13. A permit campfire is limited to 1 m x 1 m x 1 m, a brush pile to 1.8 m x 1.8 m x 1.8 m, and open burning is restricted to after 5 p.m. until 8 a.m. from April 1 to October 31. The permit runs from the application date to December 31 of the same year and must be kept at the burn site. Source: Municipality of Shuniah, By-law #2649-13 Open Air Burning, last checked 2026-07-02.
Are gas or propane fire pits allowed in Shuniah?
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 Shuniah today?
The Fire Chief can revoke permits at any time and a Total Burn Ban can be declared; because Shuniah is in the Thunder Bay fire region, provincial Restricted Fire Zone declarations also apply and can override permits. 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 Shuniah?
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 Shuniah's by-law any time of year.
What happens if I have a fire during a ban in Shuniah?
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 Shuniah, By-law #2649-13 Open Air Burning, last checked 2026-07-02. Apply for the permit online through the Shuniah Fire and Emergency Services website; permits must be produced upon request by the Fire Department.
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: Conmee, O’Connor, Dorion, Gillies. Or see every municipality.