Kingston Fire & Rescue lifts total burn ban, implements partial burn ban
As of Sept. 5, 2025, Kingston Fire & Rescue has lifted the total burn ban that was in effect across the city. Effective immediately, a partial burn ban is in place under By-Law 2021-53, the Open-Air Fires By-Law.
Current fire restrictions and permitted activities
Under a partial burn ban, the following restrictions apply:
- Agricultural fires and brush fires are prohibited.
- Fireworks are not permitted.
Residents are permitted to:
- Use outdoor appliances (e.g., CSA/ULC-approved wood-burning appliances, outdoor fireplaces, chimineas) in compliance with their permit conditions.
- Enjoy campfires in Zone 1 with a valid permit and following the size, location and supervision requirements in the open-air fires bylaw.
- Use propane, natural gas and charcoal barbecues and smokers.
Note: Campfires are never permitted in Zone 2. Campfires are open fires in firepits, while outdoor appliance fires use approved devices or appliances.
“Moving to a partial burn ban reflects reduced fire risk while maintaining a level of caution to protect public safety,” says Kevin Donaldson, Interim Fire Chief. “We remind residents that all open-air fires must comply with the conditions of a valid permit and that non-compliance could result in fines under the bylaw.”
Failure to follow the bylaw may result in fines of up to $25,000 for individuals or higher penalties for corporations.
Open-air fire safety
Residents are urged to:
- Monitor weather conditions before burning, as prohibited conditions (e.g., wind speeds over 25 km/h, smog advisories, or drought conditions) make open burning illegal even with a permit.
- Have adequate means to extinguish any fire immediately available.
- Never leave fires unattended and fully extinguish them before leaving the site.
For full details about open-air fire rules, including maps of open-air fire zones and permit requirements, visit our website. Please note the website is being updated to reflect the current burn ban status.
Contact Us
City of Kingston
City Hall
216 Ontario Street
Kingston, ON K7L 2Z3
Canada
contactus@cityofkingston.ca
Phone: 613-546-0000
The City of Kingston acknowledges that we are on the traditional homeland of the Anishinabek, Haudenosaunee, and the Huron-Wendat, and thanks these nations for their care and stewardship over this shared land.
Today, the City is committed to working with Indigenous peoples and all residents to pursue a united path of reconciliation.
Learn more about the City's reconciliation initiatives.
