Backyard fires in Tillsonburg
Whether a backyard fire or fire pit is allowed in Tillsonburg, Ontario, the permit rule, coverage level, and how to check today's fire ban.
Tillsonburg allows recreational fires without a permit if they meet By-law 3072. The fire must be in a non-combustible container or pit no larger than 2 feet by 2 feet, burn only seasoned wood or charcoal/briquettes, be covered with a heavy metal screen with mesh no larger than 13 mm, kept at least 3 metres from structures and 5 metres from adjacent properties, and attended until fully extinguished. Fires are only permitted from 4 p.m. to midnight, not when wind speeds exceed 15 km/h or during rain or fog, and must not create a smoke nuisance.
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 town may declare an open-air burn ban from time to time; notices are posted on the Tillsonburg website and social media.
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 Tillsonburg
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.
Tillsonburg backyard fire questions
Can I have a backyard fire in Tillsonburg?
Tillsonburg allows recreational fires without a permit if they meet By-law 3072. The fire must be in a non-combustible container or pit no larger than 2 feet by 2 feet, burn only seasoned wood or charcoal/briquettes, be covered with a heavy metal screen with mesh no larger than 13 mm, kept at least 3 metres from structures and 5 metres from adjacent properties, and attended until fully extinguished. Fires are only permitted from 4 p.m. to midnight, not when wind speeds exceed 15 km/h or during rain or fog, and must not create a smoke nuisance. Source: Town of Tillsonburg - Recreational Fires Guide, last checked 2026-07-02.
Are gas or propane fire pits allowed in Tillsonburg?
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 Tillsonburg today?
The town may declare an open-air burn ban from time to time; notices are posted on the Tillsonburg website and social media. 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 Tillsonburg?
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 Tillsonburg's by-law any time of year.
What happens if I have a fire during a ban in Tillsonburg?
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 Tillsonburg - Recreational Fires Guide, last checked 2026-07-02. Burn permits, when required, are reviewed by the Fire Chief or designate for safety and neighbour impact before issuance.
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, South-West Oxford. Or see every municipality.