Before you pack for your day trip or camping adventure, make sure you know what type of equipment is allowed in our parks during the fire ban.
What is a fire ban?
When a lack of rain and hot weather conditions combine, our province is at increased 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 allowed in the park at certain times of the day or night with a number of restrictions. Details will appear on our Alerts page
- total fire bans: Campfires are not permitted inside the park at any time.
Fire risk conditions are monitored daily and fire bans are lifted as soon as conditions improve.
You can find a complete list of current fire bans. here.
Remember: if your campfire starts a wildfire, you may be held responsible for extinguishment costs and/or damages.
So what equipment can be used during a fire ban?
Campfires: NO
During the camping season, Ontario experiences, on average, at least one wildfire each day caused by an unextinguished or unattended campfire.
During the highest risk conditions of a complete fire ban, campfires are NOT permitted at all.
Portable gas or propane stoves: YES
Planning hot meals during a fire ban? Pack your camp stove.
Portable gas or propane stoves with a shut-off control valve, made for cooking, are permitted.
Portable liquid fuel stoves: YES
Liquid fuel stoves (e.g., Coleman camp fuel, kerosene, alcohol, naphtha) with a shut-off control valve, manufactured for cooking, are permitted.
Propane/gas barbecues: YES*
*As long as they have a shut-off control valve, propane barbecues are permitted during a fire ban.
Charcoal, briquettes, wood or pellet barbecues: NO
Whether already in the park or brought from home, charcoal barbecues are NOT permitted during a fire ban.
Biomass (not liquid)/wood stoves: NO
NO non-gas or liquid stoves are permitted during a fire ban.
Candles or torches: NO
Candles (including citronella candles), torches, or incense/essential oil burners are NOT permitted during a fire ban.
Propane or gas lanterns: YES
In addition to battery-operated lanterns, propane/gas lanterns are permitted during a fire ban.
Portable propane fireplaces or heaters: YES
As long as they have a shut-off valve or a lid that can be easily closed, portable outdoor gas or propane fire pits or braziers are permitted during a fire ban.
Do you miss the atmosphere of your campfire? Be creative!
While real flames are prohibited, many campers find creative solutions to create that cheerful campfire atmosphere.
Place a string of solar- or battery-powered LEDs over the firewood for a safe and stylish setup.
Seen in Arrowhead Provincial Park
Do you want a more colorful shine? Add some tissue paper to enhance the ambiance (just make sure the caravan before completely putting out the fire!).
LED candles (flameless!) increase the brightness.
Thanks to Margaret Kean Black for sharing these photos of her flameless campfire from her recent trip to Emily Provincial Park.