Open Fires - Do I need a fire permit?

If you have woody debris or grass to dispose of, the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) strongly suggests composting or using a chipper. But if you must burn, the MNR would like to remind you that there are regulations that must be followed as outlined in the Forest Fires Prevention Act.

These regulations are in effect from April 1st to October 31st each year. The regulations directly effect you if you live in an area governed by the Forest Fires Prevention Act (see map) and if your local municipality does not have more stringent open burning by-laws in place. If your local municipality does have more stringent open burning by-laws than what is described here, you must follow those rules.

Except in a Restricted Fire Zone (where no open burning is permitted under any circumstance), a fire may be started if conditions allow the fire to burn safely until extinguishment and all necessary steps are taken to tend, control and extinguish the fire. A person failing to burn safely can be held responsible for the cost of putting out the fire (should it escape) and for any property damage.

You can burn piled wood, brush, leaves or wood by-products without a fire permit provided you meet all the following conditions:

• The fire is ignited no sooner than two hours before sunset and extinguished no later than two hours after sunrise.
• Only a single pile is burned at any one time.
• The pile is not more than two metres in diameter and less than two metres high.
• The fire is at least two metres from any flammable materials.
• You have tools or water adequate to contain the fire to the fire site.
• A responsible person tends the fire until it is extinguished.

You can burn piled wood, brush, leaves or wood by-products in an incinerator, without a fire permit, provided you meet all of the following conditions:

• The incinerator is an enclosed device constructed entirely of non-combustible material.
• The incinerator is covered by a screen having a mesh size of not more than five millimetres.
• The incinerator is at least five metres from any forest or woodland.
• The incinerator is at least two metres from any flammable material.
• A responsible person monitors the fire until it is extinguished.

You can burn areas of grass or leaf litter on land you lawfully occupy or give permission to burn grass and leaf litter on land you lawfully occupy, without a fire permit, provided you meet all of the following conditions:

• The fire is ignited no sooner than two hours before sunset and extinguished no later than two hours after sunrise.
• The total area to be burned does not exceed one hectare.
• The flaming edge of the fire does not exceed 30 metres in length.
• A responsible person tends the fire until it is extinguished.
• You have tools or water adequate to contain the fire to the fire site.

If you have a requirement to burn outside these conditions, contact your local municipality or the nearest Ministry of Natural Resources office.