Fort Erie reminds residents of open air burning rules

Brent Jones
May 10, 2025 at 5:43 AM

The Town of Fort Erie is reminding residents to follow the municipality’s open air burning bylaw as warmer weather increases the likelihood of backyard fires.

Under By-law 93-2020, recreational fires are only permitted between 4 and 11 p.m.

Fires must meet regulations related to container type, size, location on the property, weather conditions and supervision. Only acceptable materials may be burned; the burning of construction debris, garbage, brush or yard waste is strictly prohibited.

“Clean, dry, seasoned firewood is okay,” said Fort Erie Fire Chief Mark Schmitt in an April 17 interview with Fort Erie Radio.

According to the bylaw, open air fires must be kept to a maximum size and be set back at least “10 feet (three metres) from any combustible, and basically the same distance from property lines,” said Schmitt.

“Keep it small–two by two by two in feet–and yeah, generally that should keep most of the neighbourhood happy,” he added.

The fire department discourages the burning of yard waste, brush or other materials that create excessive smoke.

“That’s usually what brings us out,” Schmitt said.

Residents found in violation of the bylaw may be issued a burn notice. Repeat violations can result in charges for the cost of fire vehicle responses.

The Town encourages residents to review the full bylaw, available at forterie.ca, and to exercise caution when burning outdoors.