Backyard fires in West Grey
Whether a backyard fire or fire pit is allowed in West Grey, Ontario, the permit rule, coverage level, and how to check today's fire ban.
West Grey Burning By-Law 73-2008 requires an Open Air Burning Permit for most fires, except small confined campfires 61 cm (24 in) or less in diameter that are supervised at all times. Burning is prohibited in restricted fire zones, during smog alerts and fire bans, and within 10 m of buildings, structures, fences, roads or overhead wires. Only clean dry wood and natural materials may be burned; household waste, leaves, treated wood, plastics and tires are prohibited.
Municipal ruleAlso covers Durham.
Gas 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 Chief Fire Official may declare a fire ban and cancel all permits.
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 Grey
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 Grey backyard fire questions
Can I have a backyard fire in West Grey?
West Grey Burning By-Law 73-2008 requires an Open Air Burning Permit for most fires, except small confined campfires 61 cm (24 in) or less in diameter that are supervised at all times. Burning is prohibited in restricted fire zones, during smog alerts and fire bans, and within 10 m of buildings, structures, fences, roads or overhead wires. Only clean dry wood and natural materials may be burned; household waste, leaves, treated wood, plastics and tires are prohibited. Source: Municipality of West Grey - Burning By-Law 73-2008, last checked 2026-07-02.
Are gas or propane fire pits allowed in West Grey?
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 Grey today?
The Chief Fire Official may declare a fire ban and cancel all permits. 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 Grey?
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 Grey's by-law any time of year.
What happens if I have a fire during a ban in West Grey?
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 Grey - Burning By-Law 73-2008, last checked 2026-07-02. Burn permits cost $10 per month, burn site inspections cost $25, and permits can be obtained from the municipality.
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: Owen Sound, Southgate, The Blue Mountains, Chatsworth. Or see every municipality.