Before you pack up for your day trip or camping adventure, make sure you know what type of equipment is allowed in our parks during a fire ban.
What’s a fire ban?
When a lack of rainfall and hot weather conditions combine, our province is at heightened risk of wildfires.
To keep our landscapes and populations safe, fire bans are implemented.
There are two types of fire bans:
- partial fire bans: fires may be permitted in the park at certain times of the day/night with a number of restrictions. Details will be listed on our Alerts page
- full fire bans: no open fires are permitted within the park at any time
Fire hazard conditions are monitored daily and fire bans are lifted as soon as conditions improve.
You can find a complete listing of current fire bans here.
Remember: if your campfire starts a wildfire, you can be held responsible for suppression costs and/or damages.
So what equipment can you use during a fire ban?
Campfires: NO
During the camping season, Ontario experiences — on average — at least one wildfire every day caused by an unextinguished or unattended campfire.
During the higher-risk conditions of a full fire ban, campfires are NOT permitted at all.
Portable gas or propane cooking stoves: YES
Planning hot meals during a fire ban? Pack your camp stove.
Portable gas or propane stoves with a shut-off control valve, manufactured for the intended purpose of cooking are permitted.
Portable liquid-fuel cooking stoves: YES
Liquid-fueled stoves (e.g., Coleman camp fuel, kerosene, alcohol, naphtha) with a shut-off control valve, manufactured for the intended purpose of cooking are permitted.
Propane/gas barbecues: YES*
*Providing they have a shut-off control valve, propane barbecues are permitted during a fire ban.
Charcoal, briquette, wood, or wood pellet barbecues: NO
Whether they’re already in the park or brought from home, charcoal barbecues are NOT permitted during a fire ban.
Biomass (non-liquid) / wood-burning stoves: NO
Non-gas/liquid stoves are NOT permitted during a fire ban.
Candles or torches: NO
Candles (including citronella candles), torches, and incense/essential oil burners are NOT permitted during a fire ban.
Propane or gas lanterns: YES
In addition to battery-powered lanterns, propane/gas lanterns are permitted during a fire ban.
Portable propane firepits or heaters: YES
Providing they have a shut-off valve or lid so that can be easily turned off, portable outdoor living gas or propane fire pits / fire bowls are permitted during a fire ban.
Missing your campfire vibe? Get creative!
While real flames are a no-go, many campers find creative workarounds to create that cheery campfire ambiance.
Drape a string of solar- or battery-powered LEDs over your firewood for a safe and stylish setup.
Crave a more colourful glow? Add some tissue paper to up the ambiance (just make extra sure the camper before you completely extinguished their fire!).
LED candles (flame-free!) add to the glow.
