FIRE BAN IN EFFECT ACROSS NIAGARA FALLS
Effective Tuesday, August 12, 2025, Niagara Falls Fire Chief Jo Zambito has issued a fire ban throughout the city due to extremely dry conditions. This ban includes open-air burning and consumer fireworks. Please help keep our community safe by avoiding any activities that could potentially start fires.
Fire Ban Media Release.
FIRE BAN FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: Am I able to have a cooking fire during the fire ban?
A: No. Absolutely no open-air burning (fires) is permitted during the fire ban.
Q: Can I use a barbecue during the fire ban?
A: Yes. Appliances like barbecues and grills that use charcoal, propane, or natural gas are allowed during the fire ban.
Q: Can I use a propane fire bowl during the fire ban?
A: Yes. Any appliance that uses natural gas or propane is permitted because the risk of fire spread is very low.
Q: Can I discharge fireworks during the fire ban?
A: No. Consumer-grade fireworks are not allowed during the fire ban. The City of Niagara Falls also has a by-law regulating when, where, and how fireworks can be discharged.
Q: What are the consequences for having a fire during the ban?
A: Property owners will be billed $644.66 for fire department response. Depending on circumstances, enforcement action in Provincial Offences Court may also be initiated.
Q: What do I do if my neighbour is having a fire?
A: If you see someone burning during the ban, contact the Niagara Falls Fire Department at 905-356-1321 ext. 2200 and provide the address of the fire.
Q: Why is the ban in place?
A: The ban is in effect due to a lack of rain and extremely dry conditions, ensuring public safety.
Q: When will the fire ban be lifted?
A: The ban will be lifted once sufficient, prolonged rainfall has been absorbed into the ground and vegetation. The Fire Chief will announce the lifting of the ban—it is not automatically lifted after rain.
Q: How will I know the ban is lifted?
A: Notices will be posted by the Niagara Falls Fire Department on the City’s website, social media accounts, and through local media.
Q: What else can I do to ensure safety in the community?
A: Help keep our community safe by:
Burning in the open air includes bonfires, campfires, and any other fire in a yard, field, or other open place. Know the rules before you start an outdoor fire so that everyone’s safety is protected.
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Recreational fires (backyard fires)
The following are recommendations for safe cooking fire practices but do not necessarily list all the city by-law requirements.
- Recreational fires are not permitted. Only fires used for cooking food are allowed.
- Chimineas, outdoor fireplaces, and similar appliances in an outdoor open place are only permitted for cooking food. They cannot be used on a building's balcony.
- The fire size must be comparable to the type and quantity of cooked food. For example, a cooking fire to toast marshmallows would be small and only active for a short time.
- A physical barrier must confine the fire, such as rocks around the perimeter or a tire rim.
- The cooking fire must be supervised by a competent person at least 18 years old.
- A suitable means to extinguish the cooking fire must be close by. For example, a garden hose or fire extinguisher.
- Fires must be located where there is no risk of spreading to structures, fences or other combustible materials.
- The fire must be extinguished once the cooking is done.
- The fire cannot create a public nuisance. A nuisance is any emissions from fires that unreasonably interfere with the enjoyment of property. Any cooking fire that is creating a public nuisance must be extinguished immediately.
Bylaw and enforcement
If the Fire Department comes to your property for an open-air burning complaint and finds that you're not following the rules, you may have to pay for their response.
To report a concern about open-air burning, contact the Fire Prevention Office at 905-356-7521 ext. 2207.
