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Open-air fire permits and zones in Kingston, Ontario
Kingston, Ontario, Canada
Kingston open-air fire permission depends on the fire zone and category. Campfires, brush fires, campground and agricultural fires are restricted to rural Zone 1.
Key information
Kingston open-air fire permission depends on the fire zone and category. Campfires, brush fires, campground and agricultural fires are restricted to rural Zone 1.
On this page
Check the zone and category
Use the City zone map before applying. Special-event fire permission can be considered in Zones 1 and 2, but ordinary campfire permission is not available everywhere in the urban area.
Apply through MyKingston and follow the actual permit. A fire ban can suspend otherwise permitted activity. A total ban includes campfires, outdoor appliances, fireplaces, brush, agricultural and special-event fires. A partial ban includes agricultural and brush fires and fireworks.
Campfire conditions
A campfire must be on private Zone 1 land, contained by non-combustible material or a pit. The containment and clean dry wood pile must not exceed 90 cm in height, width or length. Keep at least five metres from buildings, vegetation, wires, combustible material and lot lines.
The permit holder must remain present and in control with immediate means to extinguish the fire. Open fires are prohibited when Environment Canada wind speeds exceed 25 km/h.
Brush and farm fires
A brush fire needs 30-metre separation, a pile no larger than three metres in each direction unless specifically approved and dispatch notification before and after. Call 613-548-4001 extension 5156.
Agricultural permits require a registered farming business, an inspected approved site and 90-metre separation. The page gives conflicting three- and six-metre pile limits in that section; obtain the written permit’s exact size rather than choosing the larger number. Campground owners, rather than each camper, apply for campground permission.
Kingston agricultural fire clearance diagram
Sources: City of Kingston: official example
Kingston brush fire clearance diagram
Sources: City of Kingston: official example
Kingston campfire clearance diagram
Sources: City of Kingston: official example
Kingston outdoor appliance clearance diagram
Sources: City of Kingston: official example
Kingston outdoor fireplace clearance diagram
Sources: City of Kingston: official example
Quick reference
| Topic | What to know |
|---|---|
| Campfire zone | Private land in Zone 1 |
| Campfire size/separation | 90 cm each direction; 5 m clearance |
| Brush size/separation | 3 m each direction; 30 m clearance |
| Wind limit | No open fire above 25 km/h |
| Brush dispatch | 613-548-4001 ext. 5156 before and after |
What to do next
- Check
Confirm zone, current ban and fire category.
- Apply
Read and obtain the matching permit.
- Supervise
Meet separation, wind and notification conditions.
10 useful questions
Can I have an ordinary campfire anywhere in Kingston?
No. Campfires are restricted to private property in rural Zone 1.
How large may a standard campfire pile be?
Up to 90 cm in each of height, width and length.
What is the campfire clearance?
At least five metres from the listed hazards and lot line.
What wood may be burned in that campfire category?
Clean dry wood in the permitted single pile.
Can I leave if someone has my permit number?
The named permit holder must be present and in control.
What wind stops open burning?
Wind above 25 km/h under the stated Environment Canada measure.
Do brush fires need dispatch notification?
Yes. Notify before burning and after extinguishing.
Who applies for a campground permit?
The campground owner, not each individual camper.
Can a special-event fire be considered in Zone 2?
Yes. That category is listed for both Zones 1 and 2.
Does a total ban stop an already permitted campfire?
Yes. Total-ban restrictions include campfires.
Official information and forms
This guide covers the City of Kingston, Ontario, Canada. Other Kingston communities and the surrounding counties have separate services. Fees and active service notices can change. Use the linked official page for the application or latest notice.