"The Ontario Fire Code prohibits open air burning," Cocco said, adding that breaking the rules can come with some hefty fines. Torontonians who want to gather around a heat source this winter do have some legal options, he says. Normally the city issues permits for using the pits, but that system was suspended this year due to the pandemic. Backyard optionsFor people with backyards, there are other choices for outdoor fires — but Cocco warns that many of them go against the rules as well. As long as people are in small groups and keeping socially distant, Ross questions the need for the city's "cumbersome" permitting process altogether, arguing communities are capable of self-managing park pits.

Source: CBC News October 12, 2020 09:56 UTC