Guide to Open Air Fires

This guide explains the rules and safety requirements for open air fires under the City of Clarence‑Rockland’s Open Air Burning By‑law 2022‑59.

Types of Outdoor Fires

This section explains the different types of outdoor fires permitted under the City of Clarence‑Rockland’s Open Air Burning By‑law, including where they are allowed and the safety rules that apply to each one.
Always remember to burn safely and responsibly. Fires must not create nuisance smoke that affects neighbouring properties or roadways. Before lighting any fire, make sure you have suitable firefighting equipment nearby, such as a garden hose, shovel, or rake. You must also call the Open Air Fire Line before burning at 1‑855‑943‑4088, and check current conditions, permits, and restrictions by visiting cr.burnpermits.com.

Permits: When You Need One

Before starting any outdoor fire, you must have a valid fire permit issued by the City, unless the by‑law specifically says a permit is not required. Permits help ensure fires are safe and appropriate for the location and conditions.

A permit may be temporary, permanent, or event‑specific, depending on the type of fire. Permits are not transferable and must be shown upon request by Fire Services or Municipal Law Enforcement.

Apply for a permit online

Fire Bans: Know Before You Burn

Fire bans may be issued at any time due to dry conditions, high winds, or fire risk. 

What You Can Never Burn

Outdoor fires may only be used to burn clean, untreated wood and approved materials. 

The following are never permitted:

  • Garbage or household waste
  • Plastic, rubber, or toxic materials
  • Leaves, grass, or compost
  • Materials from land clearing activities

Fires must also be constantly supervised and must not create nuisance smoke.

Where Fires Are Not Allowed

Some areas have additional restrictions. Open‑air fires, campfires, and burn barrels are not permitted in urban areas, except where specific exemptions or permits apply.

Additional distance requirements apply near:

  • Woodlands
  • Urban boundaries

How Do I Build a Fire Pit?

This information outlines minimum by‑law requirements only. Property owners are responsible for ensuring their fire pit is safe, properly installed, and complies with all applicable regulations.

To be allowed under the by‑law, a fire pit must:

  • Have a burn area no larger than 75 cm (29.5 in)
  • Be used only for cooking, warmth, or recreation
  • Include a spark‑arresting metal screen
  • Sit on non‑combustible material (such as sand, gravel, or stone)
  • Be separated from grass or vegetation by at least 50 cm (18 in)
  • Be located at least 3 m (10 ft) from buildings, decks, trees, and property lines

Fire pits that do not meet these requirements may not be permitted.

Review the By-Law

This guide is intended to help residents understand the rules but does not replace the Open Air Burning By‑law. Not following the by‑law may result in fines or an order to stop burning.