Backyard fires in West Elgin
Whether a backyard fire or fire pit is allowed in West Elgin, Ontario, the permit rule, coverage level, and how to check today's fire ban.
West Elgin By-Law 2014-69 regulates open-air burning. Most open-air fires require a completed Notification of Open Burn form and may be set only in rural areas, with setbacks, size limits, and restrictions on materials. Exempt fires include cooking fires, contained campfires, burn barrels in rural areas, and certain other flaming devices. Burning is prohibited between 30 minutes after sunset and 30 minutes before sunrise, and all open-air fires are banned during a fire ban.
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 Fire Chief or designate may issue a ban on any or all open-air fires.
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 West Elgin
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.
West Elgin backyard fire questions
Can I have a backyard fire in West Elgin?
West Elgin By-Law 2014-69 regulates open-air burning. Most open-air fires require a completed Notification of Open Burn form and may be set only in rural areas, with setbacks, size limits, and restrictions on materials. Exempt fires include cooking fires, contained campfires, burn barrels in rural areas, and certain other flaming devices. Burning is prohibited between 30 minutes after sunset and 30 minutes before sunrise, and all open-air fires are banned during a fire ban. Source: Municipality of West Elgin - Burn Permits / By-Law 2014-69, last checked 2026-07-02.
Are gas or propane fire pits allowed in West Elgin?
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 West Elgin today?
The Fire Chief or designate may issue a ban on any or all open-air fires. 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 West Elgin?
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 West Elgin's by-law any time of year.
What happens if I have a fire during a ban in West Elgin?
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 Municipality of West Elgin - Burn Permits / By-Law 2014-69, last checked 2026-07-02. Open-air burning notifications must be submitted to the Municipality of West Elgin on the Notification of Open Burn form before burning.
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: Aylmer, Central Elgin, Dutton/Dunwich, Malahide. Or see every municipality.