Pelham Fire Department
Open Air Burning
The Town of Pelham has established a by-law to regulate open air burning.
For recreational open air burns (e.g. backyard campfires), a permit is required. To obtain a permit, set up the proposed burn pit as per the guidelines with proper setbacks, etc. Contact the Fire Department (Tel: 905 892 3943, email: ppark@pelham.ca) with your name, phone number and address and an inspector will come by. If the burn pit is approved, a $20 is required to get the permit. For renewals, stop by the office at 177 Highway 20 West during office hours. A $20 fee is required (cash only please). The permit will be valid from the date of issue until the end of the calendar year.
At no time is burning allowed, of household waste, construction debris, any plastic, rubber or any other product which may damage the air, ground or water quality of the community. (Ontario Fire Code 1997, Division B Section 2.6.3.4.(1))
Guidelines used for Open Air Burning-Recreational
- Get a permit prior to any burning.
- Burn only between 4 p.m. and 11 p.m.
- Ensure your fire is the required distance from combustible materials.
- Consider the wind direction when you light your fire.
- Consider the impact on your neighbours when you burn.
- Extinguish your fire before leaving the site.
- Do not burn in winds over 20 kph.
- Do not burn during a smog alert.
- Do not burn any household waste including plastics or paper products.
- Do not create a noxious environment with your burning practices.
Farmers wishing to burn fruit tree clippings and brush must follow the non-recreational open air buring guidelines.
Guidelines used for Open Air Burning-Non Recreational
- The Fire Department must be notified and permission received prior to any Open Air Burning (The Fire Department then notifies our Dispatch Center, to prevent unnecessary equipment response.)
- Burning may not commence until 1 hour after sunrise and be completely extinguished 1 hour before sunset.
- Wind speeds must be under 15 km/hour and smoke must not travel in the direction of neighbours.
- Piles of brush must not exceed 10m in diameter and 3m in height.
- There must be a responsible person in attendance at all times during burning.
- There must be some means immediately available (i.e. water) to extinguish the fire if conditions change.
Any failure to adhere to the above noted guidelines or failure to receive approval for fires will result in rescinded or no future approval to burn and possibly prosecution under the Fire Protection and Prevention Act.
Open Air Burning By-law
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