Backyard fires in South Huron
Whether a backyard fire or fire pit is allowed in South Huron, Ontario, the permit rule, coverage level, and how to check today's fire ban.
South Huron requires a Fire Chief-issued burn permit for all open-air burning under By-Law 25-2025, except for a small confined fire used only to cook food on a grill or barbecue. Open-air fires must be at least 10 m from any building, structure, property line, fence, road or overhead wires, burn only dry or untreated wood, be supervised by a responsible person 16 or older, and be confined to daylight hours after notifying the fire department at least one hour before burning.
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 may declare a Fire Ban or Fire Risk Emergency that prohibits any or all open fires until it is lifted; check with the municipality before burning.
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 South Huron
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.
South Huron backyard fire questions
Can I have a backyard fire in South Huron?
South Huron requires a Fire Chief-issued burn permit for all open-air burning under By-Law 25-2025, except for a small confined fire used only to cook food on a grill or barbecue. Open-air fires must be at least 10 m from any building, structure, property line, fence, road or overhead wires, burn only dry or untreated wood, be supervised by a responsible person 16 or older, and be confined to daylight hours after notifying the fire department at least one hour before burning. Source: Municipality of South Huron, Controlled Burning, last checked 2026-07-02.
Are gas or propane fire pits allowed in South Huron?
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 South Huron today?
The Fire Chief may declare a Fire Ban or Fire Risk Emergency that prohibits any or all open fires until it is lifted; check with the municipality before burning. 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 South Huron?
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 South Huron's by-law any time of year.
What happens if I have a fire during a ban in South Huron?
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 South Huron, Controlled Burning, last checked 2026-07-02. Contact the Fire Chief at 519-235-1981 to obtain a permit and to notify the department before you light the fire.
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: Ashfield-Colborne-Wawanosh, Bluewater, Central Huron, Goderich. Or see every municipality.