Open-air fire ban lifted for Ottawa

An open-air fire ban that had been in place for the city has been lifted by Ottawa Fire Services (OFS).

The ban had been put in place on Sunday, July 17 as the weather forecast called for temperatures of 31 C. 

While the ban has been lifted, residents are reminded they must obtain a burn permit in order to have an open air fire or use an outdoor wood burning fireplace. 

Open-air fires, including outdoor fireplaces, are prohibited at all times in most densely populated urban and suburban areas and you can use the City of Ottawa's online burn permit application tool to check eligibility.

Devices that do not require a permit include: 

• Outdoor natural gas, propane or ethanol fireplaces.
• Approved cooking appliances include gas, charcoal or propane BBQ/hibachis or gas or propane outdoor fireplace [must be ULC approved]. 

The City does note the device must be designed and intended solely for the cooking of food in the open air and not to burn wood, tree limbs, branches and/or non-compostable material.