Open Air Fires
Open Air Fires
Do you want to have an open air fire in the City of Kingston? Effective April 19, 2021, all people, businesses, and farm owners must apply for a free online permit.
What is an open air fire?
Open air fires include any fire that is conducted outside a building. It includes but is not limited to, outdoor appliances (fire pits and fire bowls), outdoor fireplaces (chimineas), campfires, agricultural and brush fires.
Open Air Fire Zones
Open air fire zones have been established, recognizing that the City of Kingston has rural and urban areas. As such, certain fires can be safely held in some areas without creating hazardous situations or undue environmental risks.
Refer to the map to see the fire zones and types of fires permitted in each zone.
Permitted Fire Types and Regulations
- Agricultural open air fire permit
- Brush open air fire permit
- Outdoor appliance fire permit
- Outdoor fireplace permit
- Campfire permit
- Campground fire permit
- Special event fire permit
FAQ's
What is an open air fire?
Open air fires include any fire that is conducted outside a building. It includes but is not limited to, outdoor appliances (fire pits and fire bowls), outdoor fireplaces (chimineas), campfires, agricultural and brush fires.
What appliances are prohibited?
Drums, barrels, oil tanks, gas tanks, and wheel rims shall not be used.
Can I have an open air fire year-round?
At certain times of the year, and as conditions warrant, the Chief Fire Official may issue a total ban or a partial burn ban on open air fires. Depending on the ban, certain types of open air fires are prohibited, with the exception of cooking on an appliance solely intended for cooking food. Fireworks are prohibited during total and partial burn bans. Review the Open Air Fires Map to determine the burn status.
Can I use a barbecue on my balcony?
No. Fuel-burning barbecues and appliances may only be used in safe areas located at ground level.
Does the bylaw regulate barbecues and smokers, charcoal appliances, hibachis, and contained pizza ovens?
No. Appliances with mechanical shut-offs (propane or natural gas appliances), barbecues and smokers, charcoal appliances, hibachis, and contained pizza ovens are not regulated in this bylaw.
It’s windy and/or extremely dry. Can I still have a fire?
Open-air fires are not permitted when:
- Wind speeds exceed 25 kilometres per hour, as determined by Environment and Climate Change Canada for Kingston, Ontario.
- During any smog alert/watch/ advisory, as determined by Environment and Climate Change Canada.
- Drought or dry weather conditions that increase the risk of a fire spreading.
To determine if open air fires are permitted, consult Kingston’s Open Air Fires Map (open air fire burn status), and Environment Canada (weather status).
Are there certain things I am not allowed to burn?
Residents who have an open air fire shall not burn the following:
Non-approved combustible material, including but not limited to: rubber, plastic, polyethylene terephthalate, polystyrenes (Styrofoam), waste petroleum products, rubbish, demolition materials, metal, tires, fiberglass, cloth, asphalt products, shingles, insulation, electrical wiring, painted or treated wood, furniture, synthetic fabrics, composite wood waste, residential waste (such as food scraps, diapers and household trash), commercial, industrial, manufacturing, or construction waste, flammable or combustible liquids, oils, paints, solvents, batteries, acids, chemicals, explosives, radioactive, infectious, and other hazardous materials, and any material prohibited by the Environmental Protection Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. E. 19, as amended.
What is a nuisance fire?
A “Nuisance Fire” is an open air fire that causes smoke, odour and/or airborne sparks and/or embers, alone or in combination, which:
- disturbs others;
- reduces visibility on a highway or private driveway;
- and/or creates a dangerous condition;
- and/or produces an adverse effect, inconvenience, or discomfort to others in the vicinity of the open-air fire.
Open air fires that create a public nuisance are required to be extinguished.
Why did the City introduce an Open Air Fire Bylaw?
Due to a substantial increase in fire responses and complaints concerning open air fires, Bylaw 2021-053, A Bylaw to Regulate the Setting and Maintaining of Open Air Fires within the City of Kingston, was developed following extensive public engagement and research to address fire and life safety concerns. The new Bylaw was passed and came into effect on April 19, 2021.
What is an example of an outdoor fireplace?
These photos are examples of an outdoor fireplace. They're permissible for use in both Zone 1 and 2, with an Open Air Fire permit. These appliances are to be used on a non-combustible surface with 3 metres clearance from a building, fence, tree, lot line and overhead wires.
What is an example of an outdoor fire appliance?
These photos are examples of outdoor fire appliances. They're permissible for use in Zone 1 and 2, with an Open Air Fire Permit. These appliances are to be used on a non-combustible surface with 5 metres clearance from a building, fence, tree, lot line and overhead wires.
What is an example of a campfire?
A campfire is allowed in zone 1 only and requires an open air fire permit. Campfires must be contained with non-combustible metal, ceramic or stone. The fire can't exceed 1m in all directions and requires 5m clearance from a building, fence, tree, lot line and overhead wires.
