11 Outdoor Fire Regulations & Bylaws

Each town, city, region, or municipality will have its own bylaws and regulations related to the use of public outdoor spaces and open-air fires. Ensure you are meeting the local laws by checking for up-to-date information from your local office. Be careful to differentiate between a small fire for cooking and general open-air fires for burning materials. Kelly Kettles, like grills or barbeques, use a cooking fire, which is quite small and contained. These are typically not considered “open-air”. Supervision at all times is essential! Water or sand can be used to extinguish flames when the cooking is finished.

Additional information about the use of public nature spaces and parks can be located through the websites identified on the Field Trip Suggestions included within this resource guide.

City of Burlington. (n.d.). Open air burning: Campfire, chimineas, fire pits. Retrieved from https://www.burlington.ca/en/services-for-you/Open-Air-Burning.asp

City of Hamilton. (n.d.). Open air burning regulations. Retrieved from http://www2.hamilton.ca/NR/rdonlyres/26FDA4F2-3096-43BF-9E9A-7FFE304E6173/0/OpenAirBurning.pdf

County of Brant (n.d.). Open air burning. Retrieved from https://www.brant.ca/en/resident-services/Open-Air-Burning.aspx

Ontario, Ministry of Education. (2019). Child care licensing: Building, equipment, and playground. Retrieved from http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/earlyyears/building-equipment-and-playground.html

Ontario, Ministry of Education. (2018, November 21). Child care and early years act (2014) [e-Laws]. Retrieved from https://www.ontario.ca/laws/regulation/150137?_ga=2.100445534.1166458241.1552421330-577763927.1550609751#BK22