🔥 Can I make a campfire?

With conditions

Quick answer

A cosy campfire is possible, but only with permission and at a sufficient distance from woods and nature — never just like that. In Flanders, the Forest Decree forbids making fire in woods and within 25 metres of them; beyond that, an open fire (campfire, fire basket as 'open fire') usually needs the permission of the college of mayor and aldermen, and the municipal police regulation can restrict it further. In Wallonia, making fire in the woods is forbidden (Forest Code); an open fire elsewhere must stay at least 25 metres from woods (and 100 metres from dwellings, heaths and crops — Rural Code) and needs the municipality's authorization (and the owner's). In Brussels, open fire in the public parks and woods is forbidden. Everywhere: no fire during drought/fire risk, keep it under control, extinguish it fully and ensure no nuisance or danger. A barbecue or small fire basket in your own garden is treated more leniently than a real campfire.

📋 The rules

Flanders: no fire in woods or within 25 m (Forest Decree); elsewhere open fire usually only with the municipality's permission
Wallonia: fire in the woods forbidden (Forest Code); open fire at ≥ 25 m from woods (and 100 m from dwellings), with the municipality's authorization
Brussels: open fire in public parks and woods is forbidden
Always: the landowner's consent and respect for the municipal police regulation
No fire during drought or declared fire risk; keep it under control and extinguish fully
No nuisance (smoke, smell) for neighbours and no burning waste — that is separately forbidden

🔓 Exceptions

A barbecue or small fire bowl in your own garden is treated more leniently than a real campfire
Some municipalities allow campfires on recognised camping or youth grounds (e.g. for youth movements)
Even with a permit in hand, every fire becomes forbidden again as soon as drought or fire risk is declared

⚠️ Penalties & fines

A forbidden or unauthorised fire breaches the Forest Decree, the Code forestier or the municipal police regulations: you risk an administrative fine (up to 500 euros for adults, 175 euros for minors) or a criminal fine. If you cause a forest fire or damage, you also enter civil liability: you pay the full damage and the cost of the fire brigade turning out, and criminal prosecution can follow. Burning waste in the fire is a separate offence with its own fine, even if the fire itself was lit in a permitted spot.

📎 Official sources

Last verified: 2026-07-12

❓ Frequently asked

May I make a campfire?

Not freely: in Flanders no fire in or within 25 metres of woodland, and elsewhere you usually need the municipal council's permission. In Wallonia fire in the wood is banned and an open fire must stay at least 25 metres from woods.

Is a fire bowl or barbecue allowed in my garden?

A barbecue or small fire bowl in your own garden is treated more leniently, as long as you cause no nuisance, burn no waste and there is no fire risk. A real campfire often does need the municipality's permission.

How far from the wood do I have to stay?

In Flanders at least 25 metres from woodland or nature (Forest Decree). In Wallonia fire in the wood is banned, and an open fire must stay at least 25 metres from woods and 100 metres from homes, heath and crops (Code rural).

Is it allowed in Brussels?

Open fire is banned in the public parks and woods of Brussels, so a campfire in the Sonian Forest, for example, is out. On private ground the municipal rules and the nuisance rules still apply.

What do I risk with a forbidden fire?

An administrative fine of up to 500 euros or a criminal fine. If you cause a fire or damage, you are civilly liable for every consequence, you pay the intervention costs and you risk criminal prosecution.

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