Open Air Burning

Recreational Open Air Burning (camp fires)

For recreational open air burns (e.g. backyard campfires), a written permit is required. To obtain a permit, set up the proposed burn pit as per the guidelines below. Contact the Fire Department at 905-892-2607 x 201 or email us with your name, phone number and address. An inspector will come by and, if the burn pit is approved, you will be asked to pay $50. 

For renewals, stop by Station 1 located at 177 Highway 20 West during office hours (Monday - Friday 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.). A renewal cost of $25 per calendar year is applicable.

The burn permit will be valid from the date of issue until the end of the calendar year.

At no time is the burning allowed of household waste, construction debris, plastic, rubber, or any other product which may damage the air, ground, or water quality of the community. 

• Get a permit prior to any burning
• Burn only between 12:00 noon until 24:00 Midnight.
• Your pit can be no larger than 0.6 m x 0.6 m x 0.6 m (2 ft x 2 ft x 2 ft)
• Ensure your fire pit is 3 meters (10 ft) from combustible materials (structures, trees, etc.)
• Your fire pit must be 4 meters (13 ft) from property boundaries
• Ensure overhead of the fire pit is clear
• Consider the wind direction when you light your fire
• Consider the impact on your neighbours when you burn
• 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, burn clean dry wood only
• Do not create a noxious environment with your burning practices

Non Recreational Open Air Burning

Farmers wishing to burn fruit tree clippings and brush must follow the non-recreational open air burning guidelines.

• 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 one hour after sunrise and be completely extinguished one hour before sunset
• Wind speeds must be under 20 kmh and smoke must not travel in the direction of neighbours
• Do not use any accelerant
• Burn piles may not exceed 3 m x 3 m (10 ft x 10 ft) in size
• The burn pile must be 60 m (200 ft) from adjoining buildings, highways, roads, and wooded areas
• Ensure overhead of the pile is clear
• 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.

Important Notice

Failure to adhere to any of 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.