Backyard fires in South-West Oxford
Whether a backyard fire or fire pit is allowed in South-West Oxford, Ontario, the permit rule, coverage level, and how to check today's fire ban.
Recreational open-air burns up to 2 feet in diameter in a non-combustible container or pit are allowed without a permit between 11 a.m. and 2 a.m., using only charcoal, briquettes or clean dry seasoned wood, with 4.5 m clearance in all directions from structures and combustibles. Agricultural, non-recreational and special burns require a Fire Permit and are restricted to rural areas.
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 Chief Fire Official may declare a burn ban at any time, and all permits are void on smog-alert days or during a Township ban; check the Township website for notices. South-West Oxford is outside Ontario's provincial Restricted Fire Zone layer.
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-West Oxford
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-West Oxford backyard fire questions
Can I have a backyard fire in South-West Oxford?
Recreational open-air burns up to 2 feet in diameter in a non-combustible container or pit are allowed without a permit between 11 a.m. and 2 a.m., using only charcoal, briquettes or clean dry seasoned wood, with 4.5 m clearance in all directions from structures and combustibles. Agricultural, non-recreational and special burns require a Fire Permit and are restricted to rural areas. Source: Township of South-West Oxford, By-law No. 58-2024 Open-Air Burn By-law, last checked 2026-07-02.
Are gas or propane fire pits allowed in South-West Oxford?
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-West Oxford today?
The Chief Fire Official may declare a burn ban at any time, and all permits are void on smog-alert days or during a Township ban; check the Township website for notices. South-West Oxford is outside Ontario's provincial Restricted Fire Zone layer. 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-West Oxford?
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-West Oxford's by-law any time of year.
What happens if I have a fire during a ban in South-West Oxford?
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 South-West Oxford, By-law No. 58-2024 Open-Air Burn By-law, last checked 2026-07-02. Fire permit applications must be submitted at least seven working days in advance through the Township office or website.
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: Blandford-Blenheim, Ingersoll, Norwich, Tillsonburg. Or see every municipality.