The City of St. Catharines' Open Air Fires By-law prohibits the use of open air burning and any fires that are:
- Not used for cooking food on residential property
- Set up in chimeneas, firepits, small fire bowls, basic fireplaces or masonry fireplaces outdoors
- Used for burning yard waste
The purpose of the by-law is to ensure the safety and well-being of all residents in St. Catharines. Many properties are unsuitable for open air fire features due to improper clearances to combustibles and structures, and the nuisance and health concerns created by the fires and their smoke impacting neighbouring properties.
Report an issue
You can report an issue around backyard fires or open air burning online.
Any owner of a property where an open air fire has occurred is subject to a minimum fee and may be subject to prosecution.
Cooking fires
A cooking fire that is not located in a barbecue or smoker is permitted if it meets the following regulations and requirements:
- The fire is used for cooking purposes only between 8 a.m. and 11 p.m.
- A suitable means of extinguishing the fire, such as a garden hose or fire extinguisher, is available.
- No less than 3 metres (or 9.8 feet) clearance is provided to any structure, property line, balcony, tree, fence, roadway, overhead wires, or other combustible material, unless listed by a Canadian listing agency for clearance for less than three metres.
- The person setting the fire is in constant watch and control of the cooking fire. This person must remain within 5 metres (or 16.4 feet) of the fire at all times until it is extinguished.
- The cooking area or pit may not exceed 0.75 m² (or 2.46 feet by 2.46 feet) and 0.3 metres (or 0.98 feet) in height.
- The material being burned is restricted to charcoal and/or dry natural wood which has not been treated or painted. No building materials, manufactured wood or altered wood products may be burned.
- The fire must be contained by a non-combustible barrier and equipped with a grill.
- Smoke from the fire does not create a hazard or nuisance to anyone as determined by St. Catharines Fire Services.
- The person setting or maintaining the fire is the owner of the property or a lawful occupant of the property.
- The fire must be completely extinguished immediately when cooking is completed.
Apply for a Burn Permit
You can apply for a Burn Permit for all agricultural fires and some non-agricultural fires, such as destroying infested trees and operating a cookout or festival.
Acceptable appliances
Many new propane or natural gas appliances meant for backyards allow you to experience the ambience of a fire, while eliminating most undesirable effects. When shopping for backyard propane or natural gas heater, firepit, fireplace or barbecue appliance, ensure that it displays one of the below certifications.
These certifications signify that your item has been tested and meets applicable Canadian and Ontario standards. When used according to the manufacturer's instructions in a safe manner, these appliances meet the requirements of the Ontario Fire Code and our Open Air Fires By-law.
