Backyard fires in Thorold
Whether a backyard fire or fire pit is allowed in Thorold, Ontario, the permit rule, coverage level, and how to check today's fire ban.
The City of Thorold prohibits bonfires and open-air burning. The only outdoor fires allowed are small, confined cooking fires on a grill, barbecue or spit as permitted by the Ontario Fire Code, and those fires must be extinguished once cooking is complete.
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
Bonfires and open-air burning are not allowed; only Ontario Fire Code cooking fires are permitted.
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.
Thorold backyard fire questions
Can I have a backyard fire in Thorold?
The City of Thorold prohibits bonfires and open-air burning. The only outdoor fires allowed are small, confined cooking fires on a grill, barbecue or spit as permitted by the Ontario Fire Code, and those fires must be extinguished once cooking is complete. Source: City of Thorold - Open Air Burning, last checked 2026-07-02.
Are gas or propane fire pits allowed in Thorold?
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 Thorold today?
Bonfires and open-air burning are not allowed; only Ontario Fire Code cooking fires are permitted. 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 Thorold?
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 Thorold's by-law any time of year.
What happens if I have a fire during a ban in Thorold?
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 City of Thorold - Open Air Burning, last checked 2026-07-02. The full Open Air Burning By-law is available for download from the City page.
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: Fort Erie, Port Colborne, St. Catharines, Welland. Or see every municipality.