Open air burning such as camp fires, chimneys, burn barrels and burning of brush or grass are typically covered under a municipal by-law.  Therefore persons considering having an open air fire, should contact their local fire department to ensure you know the local requirements prior to starting any fires.  Many municipalities have a burn permit system.  Where open air burning is permitted your local fire department will provide you with a list of safe burning requirements such as attending to the fire, having water available and size of the fire.  Fire departments monitor local conditions and will implement burn bans when conditions are too dangerous for open air burning.