Manitoba Burning Permits and Firepits

A campfire can turn a Manitoba ATV or UTV trip into a comfortable overnight stop, but permission to ride somewhere is not permission to light a fire there. Burning permits, campsite rules, local fire restrictions and wildfire closures can all affect your plans. Here’s how to check what applies, avoid common assumptions and make a safer decision before you unload or strike a match.

Start by checking who controls the land and the fire rules

Manitoba fire rules can depend on where you are. A site might be in a provincial park, on municipal land, on private property, on Crown land or within a community with its own local rules. The person or agency managing the land may set conditions for fires in addition to any wider wildfire restrictions.

First identify the exact place where you plan to stop. A trail map, campsite name or general description such as “in the bush” may not be enough to tell you who manages the site. Check the trailhead sign, the park or land manager’s information, and the relevant municipality or community authority. If the land status or rules are unclear, contact the office responsible for that location before you travel.

It helps to keep four separate questions in mind:

1. May you access the land? Riding permission and fire permission are separate. A trail that is open to ORVs does not automatically provide a place where you can camp or build a fire.
2. Is a fire allowed there today? Local bans and area restrictions can change, including during a trip.
3. Is a permit required? Requirements can vary by location, type of fire and the authority responsible.
4. What kind of fire setup is allowed? A designated campsite firepit may be treated differently from an open fire or a portable device.

A permit, where required, is not a blanket pass. It does not override a closure, a fire ban, a landowner’s conditions or a park rule. Likewise, finding a fire ring at a site does not prove that it can be used under current restrictions.

The practical starting point is the Manitoba Burning Permit Rules. Then check location-specific information rather than relying on a general rule you heard elsewhere. For more on the broader seasonal restrictions riders need to watch, see Manitoba Wildfire Season Rules for Riders.

Situation	What to verify before lighting a fire
Provincial park campsite	Whether fires are currently allowed, which firepit or appliance is permitted, and whether park-specific conditions apply
Municipal or community land	The local authority’s current rules, any local restriction or closure, and whether a permit is needed
Private land	The owner’s permission and any applicable local or provincial fire restrictions
Crown land or a lease area	Whether access and camping are allowed, who controls the site, and what fire restrictions apply
A trail stop without a designated campsite	Whether stopping or camping is allowed at all, and whether any fire is permitted at that location

When the answer is not clear, choose the lower-risk option: do not light a fire until the responsible authority confirms it is allowed. A stove may be a useful alternative where it is permitted, but it is not automatically exempt from restrictions. Check its rules too.

When a burning permit may be needed

A burning permit is permission to carry out a specific kind of burning under stated conditions. It is different from a campsite reservation, permission to ride, permission to camp or authorization to enter land. The exact permit process and requirements can depend on the place and the kind of fire.

Do not assume every campfire needs the same permit, or that one permit applies everywhere in Manitoba. Some locations may have designated firepits and site-specific rules; other kinds of burning may require separate authorization. A permit issued for one place or purpose should not be treated as valid for another.

Before applying or travelling, ask the authority responsible for the proposed fire:

• Is this location within your jurisdiction?
• Is a permit needed for a recreational campfire here?
• Does the permit apply to this specific site and date?
• Are there conditions about fire size, hours, supervision, fuel or extinguishing?
• Does a current restriction suspend permits or prohibit fires?
• Is there a separate rule for a portable stove, charcoal or other heating device?
• How should you check for a change in restrictions on the day of the trip?

The Getting a Burning Permit for a Campfire page can help you understand the questions to raise. But don’t rely on an old permit, an online post from a previous season or another rider’s experience as confirmation that a fire is allowed now.

A permit does not cancel a restriction

A common mistake is to treat a permit as stronger than a fire ban or area closure. It is not. If the authority has prohibited fires in the area, a permit from an earlier date—or one that applies to a different location—does not make a fire lawful. Restrictions can also be narrower than a broad regional notice, so read the notice carefully and make sure it covers the exact site and activity you have in mind.

A separate closure may prohibit entry or travel, not just fires. In that case, do not ride in to reach a campsite or firepit unless the closure information expressly allows the kind of travel you need. Check [Manitoba Area Closure Orders] as well as fire-related notices when planning a trip.

Confirm the issuing authority

Depending on where you plan to burn, the appropriate contact may be a park office, local municipality, community office, land manager or another responsible authority. The right contact is the one that can confirm the rules for that specific location—not simply the office that is easiest to reach.

If a permit is required, follow its conditions exactly and keep the permit information accessible. If conditions are unclear, ask before lighting. Do not assume the permit holder can pass permission along to other groups, sites or dates.

Firepits, park campsites and portable alternatives

A permanent firepit at a designated campsite can make it easier to understand where a campfire is intended to go. It does not mean the site is always open to fires. Restrictions can change with weather and wildfire risk, and a park may impose its own conditions.

At a provincial campsite, use only the fire area or equipment allowed by the current park rules. The information in Using an Approved Firepit at a Provincial Campsite is a useful starting point, but check the park’s current instructions for the campsite you are using. A ring of stones, an old ash patch or a makeshift pit should not be treated as an approved firepit.

Before lighting:

• Read the campsite and trailhead signs, including notices added after you made your reservation.
• Check whether current restrictions permit a campfire at that specific location.
• Use the firepit or device the site rules allow; do not move a fire or create a new pit.
• Keep the fire small and attended by a responsible adult.
• Have water and tools ready before lighting, not after the fire gets out of hand.
• Do not burn rubbish, treated wood or material that could create harmful smoke or sparks.
• Extinguish the fire completely before leaving, even if you expect to return shortly.

A portable stove can be more practical than a campfire on a remote ATV trip. It may reduce the need to gather firewood and can be easier to control for cooking. But restrictions may cover more than open campfires, and some appliances may be prohibited in particular conditions. Confirm that the stove itself is allowed at your destination and follow its operating instructions. Never use a fuel-burning appliance inside a tent or enclosed vehicle.

If restrictions do not allow a fire, do not try to get around them by using a different-looking device or moving to the edge of the site. A ban may cover multiple kinds of burning or may apply throughout an area. Check the exact wording with the responsible authority.

Fire restrictions and wildfire closures during a ride

Wildfire restrictions are not a one-time planning task. Conditions can change between the day you choose a route and the day you ride, or while you are already travelling. Check the current information before departure and again if your trip crosses different areas or lasts more than a day.

Use the official restriction information for the location, and read the actual notice rather than relying on a screenshot, an old social media post or a summary from another rider. Manitoba Fire Ban Lookups is a helpful topic to consult when working out where to check. Manitoba uses a fire restrictions map rather than a simple numbered system, so look for the location and the activities covered instead of assuming a colour or level means the same thing everywhere. See Manitoba Fire Restrictions Map Instead of Numbered Levels for more context.

Fire rules are only one part of the check. A wildfire-related travel closure may affect whether you can ride through an area or use a route to reach a site. Restrictions and closures can have different boundaries and purposes. Check Manitoba Fire Season Riding Restrictions and any current area closure information relevant to your route.

Check the full route, not just the destination

A campsite may be outside a restricted area while the approach crosses one. Likewise, you could plan a route that is open when you leave but later encounter a closure or a changed restriction. Build in time to check the route, detours and destination before unloading.

For a longer ride, agree on a backup plan before setting out. That might mean returning to a permitted campsite, cooking without a fire if that option is allowed, or postponing the overnight stop. Do not use a fire ban as a reason to push farther into unfamiliar land in search of a place where rules might be looser.

If a restriction changes while you are away, follow the current notice and any instructions from officials or the land manager. When an area is closed, do not enter simply because your planned trail is shown on a map or because you have ridden it before. A trail map can show a route; it cannot confirm that the route remains open today.

Fire safety for ATV and UTV camping

ATV and UTV riders may be camping far from paved roads, nearby help or reliable cell service. A small fire can become a serious problem if it escapes, especially in dry or windy conditions. The safest plan is to decide in advance how to avoid a fire, control one if it is allowed, and put it out completely.

Prepare before lighting

Choose a designated, permitted fire area away from vehicles, tents, dry brush and other combustible material. Keep the fire small enough to manage with the water and tools you have. Avoid lighting one in strong wind or when conditions make sparks difficult to control. If the weather or ground conditions make a fire unsafe, skip it even if a permit or campsite would otherwise allow it.

Keep a reliable water supply close by. A shovel can help with the surrounding ground and remaining embers, but it is not a substitute for water. Have the equipment out and ready before lighting, and make sure everyone in the group knows who is watching the fire. Do not leave children or a fire unattended, and do not assume another rider is keeping watch unless that person has agreed to do so.

For a trip kit, consider bringing:

• A container of water reserved for extinguishing the fire.
• A shovel suited to the site and the vehicle’s storage space.
• A small first-aid kit and any personal medication.
• A flashlight or headlamp so the fire can be checked after dark.
• A phone or other communication device that is charged, while recognizing that coverage may be limited.
• A map or offline route information in case you need to change plans.

Equipment availability is not the same as legal permission. For example, buying a compact shovel or fire-safety item from Amazon does not establish that you can light a fire at a particular site. Choose equipment that suits the trip, carry it securely, and make the rules check separately.

Use the machine responsibly around fire

A machine that is permitted on a route still has to meet applicable operating and equipment requirements. Check that its exhaust system and other equipment are in suitable condition, and do not park hot components in dry grass or brush. Avoid idling or stopping where heat or sparks could ignite dry material. Never use a machine to push through a closed area or to gather firewood where collection is not allowed.

Spark-arrester requirements are a separate issue from whether a campfire is allowed. Learn what applies to your machine and riding conditions through Manitoba Spark Arrester Requirements. A compliant machine does not make an otherwise prohibited fire legal, and permission for a campfire does not excuse unsafe machine operation.

Keep fuel and other flammable supplies stored appropriately and away from the fire area. Do not refuel a hot machine beside a flame. If you are carrying fuel for a remote trip, secure it according to the container’s instructions and keep it away from heat sources.

Put the fire out, not just down

Before leaving a fire, make sure it is fully extinguished. Do not judge it by the absence of visible flame: embers and ash can remain hot enough to restart a fire. Add water carefully, stir the material and wet the remaining ash and embers. Repeat until the fire area is cold to the touch. If you cannot safely put it out, stay with it and get help rather than leaving it.

Do not bury a live fire or cover it with soil as a substitute for extinguishing it. A buried ember can keep burning and reappear later. Do not leave a fire unattended while packing the machines, hitching a trailer or getting ready to depart. Assign someone to remain at the site until the fire is out and cold.

If a fire escapes or appears to be spreading, prioritize people’s safety and contact emergency services as soon as you can. Do not put yourself or your group in danger trying to fight a fire beyond your ability.

A practical pre-trip fire checklist

Use this checklist for each trip rather than relying on what was allowed on a previous visit:

1. Pin down the location. Identify the campsite, trail area or land parcel and determine who manages it.
2. Confirm access and camping permission. A right to ride a trail does not automatically give you permission to camp or make a fire.
3. Check current restrictions. Look up the official fire restriction information for the route and destination shortly before departure.
4. Check for closures. Confirm that the trail and area remain open, including any route needed to reach the campsite.
5. Ask about permits. Contact the responsible authority if the permit requirement or permitted device is unclear.
6. Read site conditions. Follow the campsite signs and use only the fire area or appliance that is allowed.
7. Prepare a no-fire plan. Know how you will cook and where you will stay if restrictions change.
8. Pack fire-control equipment. Bring water and a shovel, and keep them accessible rather than buried under other gear.
9. Check the machines. Follow applicable equipment rules and avoid parking hot machines in dry vegetation.
10. Extinguish and recheck. Put the fire out fully, make sure it is cold, and leave the site clean.

For a quick local confirmation, contact the park office, municipality, community office or land manager responsible for the site. [Questions Worth Asking a Manitoba Park Office] can help you prepare for that conversation. Ask about the exact location and date, not just whether campfires are generally permitted in the region.

The safest rule is straightforward: ride only where access is allowed, light a fire only where it is currently permitted, and treat a designated firepit as a place to use under the rules—not as proof that a fire is allowed at all times.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a campsite firepit mean I can always have a fire?

No. A firepit shows where a fire may be intended when fires are allowed. Current restrictions, park rules and local conditions can still prohibit its use.

Does a burning permit let me have a fire during a ban?

Do not assume so. A permit does not override a current fire restriction or area closure. Confirm with the authority responsible for the location.

Can I use a portable stove when campfires are banned?

Not necessarily. Restrictions may apply to portable appliances too. Check the current notice and the rules for the specific site before using a stove.

Are trail access and fire permission the same thing?

No. Permission to ride a trail does not automatically give you permission to camp, gather wood or light a fire. Confirm each activity separately.

Disclaimer

This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Laws, prices and regulations vary by location and change over time. Consult a qualified professional for guidance on your specific situation.