What you need to know about the new recreational open-air Burning By-Law

Earlier this year, Clarington Council introduced some updates to the open-air Burning By-Law. This means that some residents with larger properties can now enjoy wood-burning recreational outdoor fires with specific restrictions and no permits are needed.

Gain peace of mind and avoid costly fines by keeping your fires safe and compliant.

For the full list of rules, visit www.clarington.net/OutdoorFireGuide.

Rule #1: Wood-burning recreational fires must meet the safe distance standard.

Wood-burning recreational outdoor fires are allowed on properties that meet the 7.5-Meter Safe Distance Standard.
That means your approved outdoor fireplace must keep a 7.5 m safe zone around fires from property lines, fences, structures, trees, bushes, combustibles like decks.

Rule #2: Wood-burning recreational fires must be contained in an approved outdoor fireplace.

Not all outdoor fireplaces sold in Clarington stores are permitted per By-law 2025-002.
Shop for an outdoor fireplace that is a portable or fixed appliance made of non-combustible materials.
It needs to be enclosed on all sides with a chamber to contain the fire, a vent or chimney for airflow, and a spark screen to prevent sparks from flying out.
It must be designed for small recreational outdoor fires and must be no larger than 1m x 1m x 1m.

See what you can do on your property:

🏘️ Smaller residential properties:

Does not meet the 7.5 m minimum safe distance standard

✅ Propane or natural gas outdoor appliances are allowed where the fire can be controlled

✖️ No wood-burning recreational outdoor fires permitted

✖️ No fire pits permitted

🏠 Larger Residential Properties:

Meets the 7.5 m minimum safe distance standard

✅ Propane or natural gas outdoor appliances are allowed where the fire can be controlled

✅ Small wood-burning recreational outdoor fires allowed from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. in an approved outdoor fireplace only

✅ Only burn dry seasoned wood logs

✖️ No fire pits permitted

✖️ No burning of noxious or treated materials, garbage, or yard waste