Backyard fires in Vaughan
Whether a backyard fire or fire pit is allowed in Vaughan, Ontario, the permit rule, coverage level, and how to check today's fire ban.
Open-air burning in Vaughan is governed by the Fire Burn Permit Bylaw 157-2023, and open-air burning must be approved or permitted under the Ontario Fire Code. A residential burn permit is required before having an open-air fire.
Municipal ruleAlso covers Concord, Maple, Thornhill, Woodbridge.
Gas versus wood
Gas and propane fire pits and barbecues are allowed and do not need a burn permit.
Today's fire ban
Vaughan Fire and Rescue declares temporary fire bans in dry weather, suspending permitted burning until lifted.
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 Vaughan
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.
Vaughan backyard fire questions
Can I have a backyard fire in Vaughan?
Open-air burning in Vaughan is governed by the Fire Burn Permit Bylaw 157-2023, and open-air burning must be approved or permitted under the Ontario Fire Code. A residential burn permit is required before having an open-air fire. Source: City of Vaughan, last checked 2026-06-24.
Are gas or propane fire pits allowed in Vaughan?
Gas and propane fire pits and barbecues are allowed and do not need a burn permit.
How do I know if there is a fire ban in Vaughan today?
Vaughan Fire and Rescue declares temporary fire bans in dry weather, suspending permitted burning until lifted. 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 Vaughan?
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 Vaughan's by-law any time of year.
What happens if I have a fire during a ban in Vaughan?
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 Vaughan, last checked 2026-06-24. Vaughan posts temporary fire bans on its site through the summer, so check the status as well as holding a permit.
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: Aurora, King, Newmarket, East Gwillimbury. Or see every municipality.