Backyard fires in Wellesley
Whether a backyard fire or fire pit is allowed in Wellesley, Ontario, the permit rule, coverage level, and how to check today's fire ban.
The Township of Wellesley regulates open-air fires under By-law 47/2017. No person may set or maintain an open-air fire without a permit, but contained site campfires that meet Schedule A conditions are exempt. Open-air fire permits are issued by the Fire Chief, are valid for up to 60 days, and are void on smog days or when weather makes burning unsafe.
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
No open-air fire without a permit except for compliant contained site campfires; no burning during a Fire Ban.
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 Wellesley
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.
Wellesley backyard fire questions
Can I have a backyard fire in Wellesley?
The Township of Wellesley regulates open-air fires under By-law 47/2017. No person may set or maintain an open-air fire without a permit, but contained site campfires that meet Schedule A conditions are exempt. Open-air fire permits are issued by the Fire Chief, are valid for up to 60 days, and are void on smog days or when weather makes burning unsafe. Source: Township of Wellesley - Open Air Fire By-law 47/2017, last checked 2026-07-02.
Are gas or propane fire pits allowed in Wellesley?
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 Wellesley today?
No open-air fire without a permit except for compliant contained site campfires; no burning during a Fire Ban. 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 Wellesley?
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 Wellesley's by-law any time of year.
What happens if I have a fire during a ban in Wellesley?
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 Wellesley - Open Air Fire By-law 47/2017, last checked 2026-07-02. Contained site campfires must keep flames under 60 cm, maintain setbacks, and have an extinguishing agent within two metres.
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: Cambridge, North Dumfries, Wilmot, Woolwich. Or see every municipality.