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# 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**.
###
### What is an open air fire?
An **open air fire** is a fire that:
* Is **not fully enclosed**
* Does **not** have a spark-arresting screen
* Burns materials like **wood, tree limbs, or branches**
* Is **larger than a campfire**
✅ **Includes:** large brush piles
❌ **Does not include:** fire pits, outdoor fireplaces, burn barrels, barbecues
### Size limits
* **Maximum width/diameter:** 5 m (15 ft)
* **Maximum height:** 3 m (10 ft)
### Location rules
* At least **10 m (30 ft)** from:
+ Property lines
+ Buildings, decks, porches
+ Trees, shrubs, and other vegetation
*(This includes the space above the fire.)*
### Important reminders
* You must **not create nuisance smoke** that affects neighbours or roadways
* Firefighting tools must be on hand at all times
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###
### What is a campfire?
A **campfire** is a **small, open fire** used only for:
* Cooking food
* Providing warmth
* Recreational enjoyment
### Size limits
* **Maximum width/diameter:** 76 cm (30 in)
* **Maximum height:** 60 cm (24 in)
### Safety rules
* No spark-arresting screen required
* Must be:
+ On non-combustible ground (earth, sand, gravel, etc.)
+ Surrounded by at least **50 cm (18 in)** of non-combustible material
### Location rules
* At least **5 m (15 ft)** from:
+ Property lines
+ Buildings, decks, porches
+ Trees, shrubs, vegetation
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###
### What is an outdoor fireplace?
An **outdoor fireplace** is a **manufactured, enclosed unit** designed mainly for decoration.
✅ Includes chimineas
### Size limits
* No more than **76 cm (30 in)** in any direction
### Safety requirements
* Must have a **spark-arresting metal screen**
* Screen openings no larger than **1.3 cm (½ in)**
### Placement rules
* Set on and surrounded by non-combustible material
* At least **50 cm (18 in)** separation from grass/vegetation
* At least **3 m (10 ft)** from:
+ Property lines
+ Buildings, decks, porches
+ Trees and shrubs
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###
### What is a burn barrel?
A **burn barrel** is a **clean, enclosed metal barrel** used only to burn:
* Wood
* Small branches
⚠️ Barrels must **not** be chemically contaminated.
### Size limits
* **Maximum diameter:** 76 cm (30 in)
* **Maximum height:** 88 cm (35 in)
### Required safety features
* Spark-arresting metal screen covering the top
* Screen openings **no larger than 1.3 cm (½ in)**
* Side ventilation holes:
+ No larger than 1.3 cm, **or**
+ Covered with mesh
### Placement rules
* On non-combustible ground
* 50 cm (18 in) from grass or vegetation
* At least **5 m (15 ft)** from:
+ Property lines
+ Buildings, decks, porches
+ Trees and shrubs
🚨 **Important:**
If a burn barrel is used **without a screen**, it is considered an **open air fire** and must follow open air fire rules and permits.
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###
### What is a fire pit?
A **fire pit** is a **constructed pit** (such as a metal or stone ring) used for:
* Cooking
* Warmth
* Recreation
### Size limits
* **Maximum burn area diameter:** 75 cm (29.5 in)
### Required safety features
* A **spark-arresting metal screen**:
+ Covers the entire opening
+ Openings no larger than **1.3 cm (½ in)**
### Ground and clearance rules
* Must sit on non-combustible material
* Separated from grass or vegetation by **50 cm (18 in)**
* At least **3 m (10 ft)** from:
+ Property lines
+ Buildings, decks, porches
+ Trees and shrubs
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## 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.
###
| Type of Fire | Partial Fire Ban | Total Fire Ban |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Open-air fire | ❌ Not allowed | ❌ Not allowed |
| Campfire | ❌ Not allowed | ❌ Not allowed |
| Fire pit | ✅ Allowed if constantly monitored | ❌ Not allowed |
| Outdoor fireplace | ✅ Allowed if constantly monitored | ❌ Not allowed |
| Burn barrel | ✅ Allowed if constantly monitored | ❌ Not allowed |
| Wood-burning barbecue | ✅ Allowed if constantly monitored | ❌ Not allowed |
###
Fire bans can be put in place at any time when conditions increase the risk of fire, such as dry weather or high winds.
###
You are responsible for checking if a fire ban is in effect before lighting any fire.
Ban notices are posted on:
* the City's website
* the City's Facebook and Instagram pages
* **cr.burnpermits.com**
## 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.
2022-59 Open Air Burning By-Law