Are Fire Pits Legal in Ontario?

Fire Pit Regulations in Ontario: A Comprehensive Guide

Enjoying a warm fire pit in your backyard is the best way to relax and unwind. However, it’s essential to understand the regulations and guidelines in place to ensure safety and compliance with the law. Here’s a breakdown of the basic guidelines for fire pits in Ontario, followed by specific regulations in Ottawa, Toronto, and Hamilton.

Basic Guidelines for Ontario:

– Restricted Fire Zones: Ontario may declare restricted fire zones during periods of heightened fire risk. During these times, open burning, including fire pit usage, may be restricted.

– Permit Requirements: Many municipalities in Ontario require a permit for lighting fires on private property, which includes fire pits. These permits may vary depending on the location and the type of fire pit being used.

– Prohibited Materials: It’s crucial to avoid burning wood, tree limbs, branches, or non-compostable materials in fire pits to prevent hazards and pollution.

– Safety Standards: Regardless of permit requirements, fire pits must adhere to safety standards. This includes using ULC/CSA approved fire pits, maintaining a safe distance from combustibles, and following manufacturer instructions for safe operation. 

Now, let’s delve into the specific regulations for fire pits in Ottawa, Toronto, and Hamilton.

Fire Pit Regulations in Ottawa:

In Ottawa, residents must obtain either an annual open air fire permit or a restricted open air fire permit, depending on their location. However this does not mean that wood burning fire pits are permitted in urban areas. Natural gas and propane fire pits are a great alternative that don’t require a permit and aren’t prohibited in urban/residential areas. Nonetheless, it is always important to keep to safety standards, including using approved fire pits and maintaining safe operation.

Fire Pit Regulations in Toronto:

In Toronto, wood-burning fire pits not intended for cooking are prohibited due to safety concerns and emissions. However, natural gas and propane fire pits designed for recreational or cooking purposes are permitted as in Ottawa. However, the government website states that fire pits must be supervised at all times, operated safely, and adhere to manufacturer instructions.

Fire Pit Regulations in Hamilton:

In Hamilton, residents must obtain permits for wood-burning fire pits, while again those fueled by natural gas or propane typically do not require permits. A minimum clearance of 3 metres from buildings and combustible materials must be maintained. Also, flames should be confined to the fire pit and kept to a reasonable size (flame size isn’t specifically defined, therefore you should contact your local authority for clarification).

Certifications and Safety:

Another important thing to consider is whether the fire pit is certified or not. In Canada, the Canadian Standards Association (CSA), is the certification standard for all consumer products from clothing to outdoor fire pits. Organisations such as this develop safety standards that assure the customer the product is safe to use, hence they are particularly important for appliances such as gas fire pits. The American equivalent of CSA is the American National Standards Institute, or ANSI. These certifications are often both used for the regulation of outdoor gas fire pits in North America, whichever you choose, you can be assured that the product is held to a high standard. Additionally, which certification is required can depend on the state or even the county you live in. Therefore, you should always confirm with your local jurisdiction the certifications they require for gas fire pits. 

Moreover, if you run a commercial business, such as a hotel, bar or restaurant, or you rent out a private property, ensuring your fire pit is certified could be extremely important. In the event of an insurance claim resulting from the fire pit, insurance companies often won’t pay out if it is not certified. Also with gas fire pits, it is important to consider whether only the burner has been certified, or if the appliance has been certified in its entirety. If the fire pit isn’t certified as a whole, this could also cause issues with insurance claims.

By understanding and adhering to these regulations, Ontarians can safely enjoy their fire pits while respecting the environment and their community’s safety. Always check with local authorities for the most current information and guidelines regarding fire pit usage in your area.