🔥 Fireplaces, Heating & the Fire Pit

We want guests to be comfortable and informed, so this post covers everything related to fireplaces, heating, and outdoor fires at Hilltop Retreat.

Indoor Fireplaces (Decorative Only)

Hilltop Retreat has wood-burning indoor fireplaces, however, they are not available for guest use. This is due to insurance restrictions and fire-safety liability. There are no exceptions.

Please note:

• Indoor fireplaces must not be lit or altered

• No firewood, starters, or ash disposal indoors

• Any use or tampering may result in additional charges

  
  

For guests, they’re part of the home’s character and ambiance, unfortunately not a usable feature during stays.

Heat & Indoor Comfort

You will not need indoor fires to stay warm.

• The home is equipped with central heating that must remain on at all times throughout the winter

• Heat/AC is on year-round and adjustable to comfort and weather

If the temperature doesn’t feel right during your stay, reach out — we’d rather adjust the thermostat than incur a fire risk.

Fireplace Ambiance (Without the Risk)

If you enjoy the look and feel of a fire:

• Fireplaces can be played on the TVs for ambiance

• Use a fireplace video, crackling fire loop, or ambient channel

• Same cozy vibe, zero smoke, zero risk

It’s a popular alternative and works especially well in the evenings.

Outdoor Fire Pit (Approved for Use)

Guests are welcome to use the outdoor fire pit. This is the only permitted fire source on the property.

How to Use the Fire Pit

• Use outdoor firewood only (piled near the pit)

• Keep fires manageable and supervised

• Never leave the fire unattended

• Fully extinguish the fire after use (water or sand)

Important Notes

• Follow all local fire bans or weather advisories

• High winds or dry conditions may require skipping fire use

• Children and pets must be supervised at all times

If a fire ban is in effect, the fire pit must not be used, even if it’s normally allowed. Any fines and/or charges under the Ontario Fire Code and Municipal By-Laws will be forwarded to guests.

Why We’re Firm About This

Fire is one of the highest-risk elements in any rental property. These rules exist to protect:

• Guest safety

• The Property

• Our ability to keep Hilltop Retreat open and available

We appreciate guests who respect the space as if it were their own.

If you have questions about firewood, fire pit location, or outdoor use before your stay, ask ahead of time.

FAQs

Can we use the indoor fireplaces?

No. The indoor fireplaces are wood-burning and decorative only and cannot be used by guests due to insurance and fire-safety restrictions. This applies to all stays, without exception.

Will we be cold without using the fireplaces?

No.The home has central heating, which is on year-round and fully adjustable. Fireplaces are not needed for warmth.

If the temperature doesn’t feel comfortable, please reach out so we can help adjust it: escape@hilltopretreat.ca

Are we allowed to use the outdoor fire pit?

Yes.The outdoor fire pit is the only approved fire feature on the property and may be used responsibly.

How do we use the fire pit properly?

• Is firewood provided?Is firewood provided?Is firewood provided?Use outdoor firewood only

• Keep fires small, supervised, and controlled

• Never leave a fire unattended

• Fully extinguish the fire before leaving the area or going inside

Children and pets must be supervised at all times.

Is firewood provided?

Firewood availability may vary.

If you’d like to purchase more firewood during your stay, you can have it delivered directly through Instacart. Save $10 with code: HRETREAT1DEBD* (Delivery availability depends on season and location.)

Can guests roast marshmallows on the gas stove?

No. The gas stove is not to be used for open-flame activities, including roasting marshmallows or any other non-cooking use.

Here’s why:

• It’s an indoor appliance, not a fire feature

• Open flames + sugar = smoke, residue, fire alarms, and damage

• It creates burn risk and cleanup issues

• It can damage burners, grates, and surrounding surfaces

Even though it’s a gas flame, it is not equivalent to a fire pit.

Fire Safety Violations: Fines & Consequences

1. Unauthorized Use of Indoor Fireplace

If a guest lights or tampers with an indoor wood-burning fireplace against posted rules:

Immediate guest-facing charges:

• Smoke/soot remediation: $250–$1,500

• Chimney inspection & cleaning: $300–$800

• Fire alarm reset or servicing: $150–$400

• Deep cleaning for smoke odour: $500–$3,000

• Appliance or structural damage (if applicable): at cost

Typical minimum charged to guest: $500–$1,000 even if no visible damage occurs

2. Misuse of Gas Stove for Open-Flame Activities

(e.g. roasting marshmallows, burning non-food items)

Guest-facing charges

• Burner/grate replacement: $200–$600

• Sugar residue & smoke remediation: $200–$500

• Appliance service call: $150–$300

Typical charge: $250–$750

3. Improper Use of Fire Pit

Examples:

• Leaving fire unattended

• Using during a fire ban

• Unsafe materials burned

Municipal fines (passed on to guest if caused by them):

• Fire ban violation: $500–$10,000

• Fire department response fee: $300–$1,500+

• Bylaw enforcement citation: $250–$1,000

Guest liability: $500–$2,000+

4. Insurance Consequences (This Is the Big One)

If an insurer determines that a prohibited fire feature was used:

• Claim may be denied entirely

• Policy may be non-renewed or cancelled

• Premium increase upon reinstatement: +20%–50% annually

• Loss of short-term rental coverage eligibility

Even attempted or minor use can trigger an incident report.

What this means for guests

If guest negligence causes:

• Insurance cancellation

• Coverage loss

• Claim denial

Guests will be held financially responsible for uncovered losses, which can easily reach thousands to tens of thousands of dollars.

5. Security Deposit Impact

• Full forfeiture of security deposit

• Immediate termination of stay