Can I make a campfire?
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 ambience fire basket in your garden is treated more leniently than a large campfire
- Some municipalities allow campfires on recognized camp or youth grounds (e.g. for youth movements)
⚠️ Penalties & fines
A forbidden or unauthorized fire is an offence under the Forest Decree, the Forest Code or the municipal police regulation: you risk a GAS fine (up to €500 for adults, €175 for minors) or a criminal fine. If you cause a forest fire or damage, you also incur civil liability and risk heavy damages and criminal prosecution.
📎 Official sources
- Vlaamse Codex · Forest Decree art. 99 →
- Wallonie · forest fire prevention (fires) →
- Vlaanderen.be · making an open fire →
❓ Frequently asked
Can I make a campfire?
Yes, but not just anywhere: in Flanders not in or within 25 m of woods, and elsewhere usually only with the municipality's permission. In Wallonia, fire is forbidden in the woods and an open fire must stay at least 25 m from woods. Always ask the landowner's consent.
A fire basket or barbecue in my garden?
A barbecue or small ambience fire basket in your garden is treated more leniently, as long as you cause no nuisance, burn no waste and there is no fire risk. A real (large) campfire often does need the municipality's permission.
How far from the woods must I stay?
In Flanders, at least 25 metres from woods or nature (Forest Decree). In Wallonia, fire is forbidden in the woods; an open fire must stay at least 25 metres from woods and 100 metres from dwellings (Rural Code). During drought or fire risk, any fire is forbidden.
What do I risk with a forbidden fire?
A GAS fine or criminal fine. If you cause a fire or damage, you are civilly liable for all consequences and risk criminal prosecution.
🔎 Common searches
What people search to land here:
- “campfire belgium allowed”
- “open fire garden rules”
- “fire basket allowed”
- “campfire distance woods”
- “campfire fine”