Open Air Burning

Open air burning can be a high-risk activity and is not permitted in urban areas in Burlington. Open air burning is only allowed in designated rural areas with a Burn Permit.

There are steps you can take to minimize risk when open-air burning, including:

• Burning brush as a last resort after disposing of it at the Halton Waste Management Site or mulching
• Do not burn garbage or petroleum-based products such as tires, shingles or plastics as this is strictly prohibited

View the map of Open Air burning areas

Outdoor fire safety

While open air fires of any kind are not allowed in urban areas, there are exceptions for smaller confined fires.

Outdoor cooking fires

You are allowed to have a small, confined fire used to cook food on a grill, barbeque or pit. Follow these safety tips when having an outdoor cooking fire:

• Supervise the fire at all times
• The fire must be appropriately sized for the type and amount of food being cooked
• Extinguish fires immediately after cooking

Natural gas and propane units

You are allowed to use fire tables or bowls, chimineas and other outdoor burning devices that use propane or natural gas as fuel. These don't produce smoke or odours that can irritate neighbours. They are not permitted on apartment building balconies or where prohibited by condominium corporation rules.