Outdoor Fires

Backyard Recreational Fires

We want you to enjoy having a small fire, but safety is our main concern. For more information, watch the following video created by LaSalle Firefighters and read the quick referent information below:

Within the Town of LaSalle, a small outdoor fire such as a campfire, set within a confined area or device such as an outdoor fireplace or fire pit, situated in a “Safe Location” and measuring no greater than one square metre (approx. 3.5 feet) in any dimension is permitted when the subsequent sections of the by-law are followed.

The “Safe Location” shall be a minimum of 5 metres (approx. 17 feet) from any structure and a minimum of 3 metres (approx. 10 feet) from adjacent property lines.

• The fire must be fueled only with “acceptable burn material”:
• • Charcoal, briquettes, small amounts of white or brown paper or cardboard, dry seasoned wood, wood by-products that have not been chemically treated, painted or stained, purchased fire logs
  • The following materials are “prohibited burn material” – asphalt products, tires, treated wood,  construction material or rubble, grass/leaves, kitchen garbage, or any garbage or trash, rubber, plastics and all like items.
• The fire must be set and supervised at all times by a competent adult.
• Effective means of extinguishing must be readily available
• The fire must be fully extinguished before being left unsupervised. 

No person shall set or maintain a Recreational Fire or Open Fire under the following
conditions:

• When the wind conditions in such direction or intensity so as to cause any or all
  of the following:
  
  • To have smoke or debris interfere with public roadways
  • Threaten a rapid spread of fire
  • Interfere with a neighbours enjoyment of the normal use of their property or cause of discomfort in the immediate area
• During a period of “Poor Air Quality” or a High Risk Period

This quick sheet is a summary of frequently asked questions and is intended as a reference tool only. All recreational fires set within the Town of LaSalle are subject to all regulations set out in by-law 7170. Please refer to the by-law for complete restrictions, details & penalties.

(Note: Terms in “quotations” are defined terms in by-law 7170, A by-law restricting the setting of fires within the Town of LaSalle).

Agricultural Fires

A controlled burn is when farmers set fire to vegetation on purpose to help manage their land. This can be helpful, but it needs to be done very carefully to avoid the fire from spreading, creating air pollution or affecting nearby properties. It's important to plan and choose the right time to do it safely.

In LaSalle, you need permission from the LaSalle Fire Service to do a controlled burn. You can call 519-966-0744 to get approval. 

Open Air Fires

For additional information, refer to By-law 7170.