Updated October 2026

For many Ontario families, sitting around a campfire is one of the most enjoyable parts of spending time at the cottage or camping outdoors.

Whether you're roasting marshmallows, cooking over an open flame or enjoying an evening beside the lake, a campfire can be a wonderful experience.

However, even a small fire can become dangerous if it is not properly controlled.

Dry vegetation, changing winds and unattended embers can allow a campfire to spread quickly, potentially damaging cottages, neighbouring properties and surrounding forests.

In addition to the safety risks, an uncontrolled campfire can result in significant financial consequences.

At L.D. Dermody Insurance Brokers, we encourage cottage owners and campers to understand Ontario's outdoor burning rules, follow basic fire safety precautions and review their insurance coverage.

1. Check for Fire Bans Before Lighting a Campfire

Before starting a campfire, always confirm that outdoor burning is permitted in your location.

Ontario has provincial fire restrictions, and municipalities may impose additional requirements or prohibit certain types of outdoor fires altogether.

In parts of Ontario, the province may declare a Restricted Fire Zone when wildfire conditions become dangerous or firefighting resources are limited.

During a Restricted Fire Zone, most outdoor fires, including campfires, are prohibited unless a specific legal exception applies.

Municipalities can also introduce their own fire bans.

A campfire may be prohibited even if the weather appears suitable for burning.

Fire restrictions can change quickly, particularly during periods of drought or unusually hot weather.

Before lighting a fire, check:

• Provincial Restricted Fire Zone notices.

• Municipal fire bans and outdoor burning bylaws.

• Rules established by the campground or provincial park.

• Whether a fire permit is required.

You can find provincial information on the Ontario government's Outdoor Fire Restrictions webpage.

2. Understand That Campfire Rules Vary Across Ontario

Not every municipality permits backyard campfires.

Some communities allow recreational fires under specific conditions, while others prohibit them or require permits.

Even when outdoor fires are permitted, local bylaws may establish requirements concerning firepit construction, fire size, distances from buildings and acceptable burning hours.

Ontario also has provincial rules for outdoor fires in designated fire regions.

Those requirements can differ depending on whether the fire is being used for cooking or warmth, whether it involves burning brush or debris, and whether a permit is required.

Do not assume that the rules at your cottage are the same as those at your primary residence.

When in doubt, contact the local fire department or municipality before starting a fire.

3. Choose a Safe Location for Your Campfire

Where you build a campfire is just as important as how you maintain it.

Choose a location that is permitted and suitable for outdoor burning.

Avoid areas near:

• Cottage buildings and sheds.

• Decks, fences and wooden structures.

• Overhanging branches.

• Dry grass and brush.

• Firewood piles.

• Propane cylinders and other combustible materials.

Use an established firepit where possible.

The area surrounding the fire should be cleared of combustible material, with adequate separation from anything that could ignite.

Follow all local requirements for setbacks and firepit construction.

Never assume that a portable metal firepit or outdoor fireplace can be used anywhere simply because it is commercially manufactured.

4. Keep Your Campfire Small and Manageable

A large fire is more difficult to control and can produce more sparks and airborne embers.

Build only the size of fire necessary for cooking or warmth.

Use suitable, dry firewood and add fuel gradually.

Avoid placing large quantities of wood on the fire at once.

Never use gasoline, lighter fluid or other flammable liquids to start or intensify a campfire.

These products can cause sudden flare-ups and serious burns.

Also avoid burning garbage, plastics, treated lumber or other inappropriate materials.

5. Never Leave a Campfire Unattended

An unattended campfire can become dangerous in a matter of moments.

A sudden gust of wind can carry sparks into nearby vegetation, while a shifting log can cause burning material to fall outside the firepit.

A responsible adult should remain in control of the fire until it has been completely extinguished.

Do not leave a fire burning while you go inside the cottage, take a walk or go to bed.

Children should never be left responsible for supervising a campfire.

If everyone is leaving the area, extinguish the fire first.

6. Keep Water and Firefighting Equipment Nearby

Before lighting a campfire, make sure you have the equipment necessary to extinguish it.

Useful items include:

• A bucket of water.

• A garden hose with an adequate water supply.

• A shovel.

• Suitable fire-extinguishing equipment.

Having water nearby is particularly important at cottages where emergency services may take longer to arrive.

However, personal firefighting equipment is intended for small, controllable fires.

If a fire begins spreading beyond your ability to control it safely, move everyone away and call emergency services.

Do not risk personal injury trying to fight a growing wildfire.

7. Watch the Weather and Wind Conditions

Weather can significantly affect campfire safety.

Strong or gusty winds can carry sparks beyond the firepit.

Dry weather can make surrounding vegetation much easier to ignite.

Even if outdoor burning is legally permitted, it may be unsafe to start a fire when conditions are unfavourable.

Consider postponing your campfire when:

• Winds are strong or unpredictable.

• Vegetation is unusually dry.

• Fire danger is elevated.

• The weather forecast indicates worsening conditions.

A campfire should be enjoyable, not a source of unnecessary risk.

8. Keep Children and Pets Safe

Campfires create hazards for children and pets, particularly when people are gathered around the fire.

Establish a safe area around the firepit and make sure children understand that they must not approach the flames without adult supervision.

Avoid running or playing near the fire.

Be careful with roasting sticks, cooking equipment and hot metal firepit components.

Remember that rocks, ashes and firepit surfaces can remain dangerously hot long after the flames have disappeared.

9. How to Properly Extinguish a Campfire

One of the most common campfire mistakes is assuming that a fire is out because there are no visible flames.

Hot coals and embers can remain capable of reigniting.

Before leaving a campfire:

Allow the Fire to Burn Down

Stop adding wood well before you intend to leave.

Pour Water Over the Fire

Use sufficient water to thoroughly wet the burning material and embers.

Stir the Ashes

Use a shovel or suitable tool to expose hot material beneath the surface.

Add More Water

Continue wetting and stirring until the fire is completely extinguished.

Check for Remaining Heat

Make sure there is no smoke, glowing material or residual heat. Do not touch ashes directly with your hands to test their temperature.

Never leave a firepit until you are satisfied that the fire is completely out.

10. Can You Be Held Responsible if Your Campfire Spreads?

Yes, depending on the circumstances.

Consider the following example.

You are enjoying a campfire at your cottage when sparks ignite nearby dry grass.

The fire spreads into the neighbouring property, damaging a shed and part of the neighbour's cottage.

Although you did not intend to cause damage, you could potentially face a claim for the resulting losses.

Whether you are legally responsible would depend on the facts and applicable law.

Relevant considerations may include whether you took reasonable precautions, complied with burning restrictions and properly supervised the fire.

An accidental fire does not automatically eliminate potential liability.

11. Could You Be Responsible for Wildfire Suppression Costs?

This is another important consideration.

Ontario's wildland fire legislation provides mechanisms through which certain costs associated with controlling or extinguishing a fire may be recovered from a person whose conduct caused the fire.

Depending on the circumstances, financial consequences may include:

• Fire suppression expenses.

• Damage to public resources.

• Property damage claims.

• Fines or other penalties for violating applicable fire restrictions.

The cost of fighting a wildfire can be substantial, particularly if aircraft, specialized equipment and large firefighting crews are required.

The specific legal consequences depend on the applicable legislation and the circumstances of the fire.

This is one reason following fire bans and outdoor burning rules is so important.

12. Does Cottage Insurance Cover Damage Caused by a Campfire?

Cottage insurance policies generally include some form of property coverage, but the extent of protection varies.

If a campfire accidentally spreads and damages your own cottage, the resulting fire damage may be covered under the property's fire insurance, subject to the policy's terms, conditions and exclusions.

However, not every cottage insurance policy provides the same level of coverage.

Some policies insure against a limited list of specified perils, while others provide broader protection.

The policy may also contain conditions concerning the property's use, occupancy and other risk characteristics.

It is important to review the actual coverage purchased rather than assuming that every fire-related loss will be insured.

13. What if Your Campfire Damages Someone Else's Property?

This is where personal liability insurance may become important.

Many homeowners and cottage insurance policies include personal liability coverage.

Depending on the policy, this coverage may respond when an insured person is held legally liable for accidentally causing bodily injury or property damage to another person.

For example, if an improperly controlled campfire damages a neighbour's cottage, the personal liability section of an applicable policy may provide protection against a covered legal liability claim.

Coverage may include defence costs and payment of covered damages, subject to policy limits and conditions.

However, several important points should be understood:

• Coverage depends on the circumstances and applicable policy wording.

• The insurer must determine whether the claim falls within the policy's liability coverage.

• Exclusions or limitations may apply.

• Intentional acts and certain other circumstances may not be covered.

• Fines and penalties are not necessarily insurable.

• Government wildfire suppression costs may raise coverage questions that differ from an ordinary third-party property damage claim.

Do not assume that every expense arising from an uncontrolled campfire will automatically be paid by your insurance company.

If you have concerns about liability protection at your cottage, speak with your insurance broker.

14. Is Your Personal Liability Limit Adequate?

Many homeowners and cottage insurance policies provide personal liability limits such as $1 million or $2 million, although available limits vary.

A serious fire can cause extensive property damage, particularly if multiple buildings are affected.

In some circumstances, liability claims can exceed the coverage limits available under a policy.

It is worth reviewing your personal liability insurance to understand:

• Your current coverage limit.

• Which family members are insured.

• Whether your cottage location is covered.

• Whether the coverage applies to the activities you undertake at the property.

• Whether higher liability limits are available.

Some individuals may also wish to discuss personal umbrella liability insurance, which can provide additional protection for certain covered liability exposures.

15. What if You Rent Your Cottage to Other People?

Renting your cottage can introduce additional insurance considerations.

If you allow paying guests to use the property, your insurance company should be informed.

Some personal cottage insurance policies restrict or exclude certain rental activities, while others may provide coverage subject to specific conditions.

If renters are permitted to use a campfire or outdoor firepit, provide clear written instructions about:

• Local burning restrictions.

• Firepit use.

• Fire supervision.

• Extinguishing procedures.

• Emergency contact information.

You should also confirm that your insurance policy is appropriate for the rental arrangement.

Do not assume that a standard personal cottage policy automatically covers short-term rental operations.

16. What Should You Do if a Campfire Gets Out of Control?

If a campfire spreads beyond the firepit:

Put Personal Safety First

Move people and pets away from the danger.

Call Emergency Services

Call 911 where available, or use the appropriate emergency reporting number for your location.

Do Not Attempt to Fight an Unsafe Fire

If the fire is spreading rapidly or conditions are dangerous, evacuate.

Follow Emergency Instructions

Cooperate with firefighters and other emergency personnel.

Notify Your Insurance Broker or Insurance Company

Once everyone is safe, report any property damage or potential liability claim promptly.

Document What Happened

When safe, record relevant information and preserve photographs, communications and other documentation.

Avoid making assumptions about legal responsibility before the circumstances have been investigated.

17. Review Your Cottage Insurance Before Campfire Season

Cottage owners often review their insurance when purchasing the property but may not revisit their coverage for several years.

Before the next cottage season, consider asking your insurance broker:

• Does my cottage policy provide personal liability coverage?

• What is my liability limit?

• Is the cottage properly listed and insured?

• Are there restrictions on rental use?

• Does my policy include coverage for detached structures?

• Would additional liability protection be appropriate?

If your cottage has undergone renovations, is now being rented or is used differently than when the policy was arranged, let your broker know.

For additional information about protecting your property, see our article Avoiding Cottage Fires.

Enjoy Your Campfire Responsibly

A campfire can be one of the highlights of spending time at the cottage.

With proper preparation and supervision, you can reduce the risk of injury, property damage and wildfire.

Always check fire restrictions, use a suitable firepit, keep your fire under control and extinguish it completely before leaving.

It is also worth understanding the insurance implications if a fire causes damage beyond your property.

At L.D. Dermody Insurance Brokers, we can help Ontario cottage owners review their property and liability coverage and discuss how their insurance may respond to an accidental fire.

If you have questions about your cottage insurance or personal liability coverage, please contact our office. We would be pleased to help.

This article provides general information about campfire safety, Ontario outdoor burning rules and insurance as of October 2026. Applicable laws, municipal bylaws and fire restrictions may change. Insurance coverage depends on the specific policy wording, circumstances of the loss and applicable law.