Fire ban lifted
The Burlington Fire Department has lifted the open air burning ban, issued on July 13, 2018.
Residents that live in designated burning areas, with open air burning permits, can resume use of open air fires for controlled brush burning and recreational fires.
The Burlington Fire Department will continue to monitor and assess the fire danger rating, and the local weather forecast, and provide updates on city open air burning restrictions.
Open Air Burn Burning - Chiminea and Fire Pits
If you have a concern that someone in your neighbourhood is burning and causing a safety concern, nuisance or the smell of smoke is entering your home, call 905-637-8253.
- You will be asked to provide some information, such as the location of the burning and a return telephone number where you can be reached. This information is considered confidential and is used if the responding crew requires more details to locate the burning.
- An emergency response vehicle will be dispatched on a non-emergency response to deal with the issue.
- The person doing the burning will not be told where the call originated from.
- If required, the fire will be extinguished and the person doing the burning will be given a written notice to stop future burning. The property owner may have to pay fees and charges under the Ontario Fire Code.
View approved areas where open-air burning is permitted.
| Outdoor Cooking Fires |
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The Ontario Fire Code allows for a small, confined outdoor cooking fire supervised at all times and used to cook food on a grill. Outdoor fire pits, chimneys and other portable open air fire devices are generally intended for backyard bonfires and are not designed for cooking. Units designed for cooking are to be used for that purpose only and must be extinguished immediately after cooking. If the Burlington Fire Department responds to a complaint that does not comply with the Ontario Fire Code, the resident conducting the fire will be asked to extinguish the fire and may be given a violation notice. The notice may include possible prosecution and/or a cost recovery fee. |
| Natural Gas and Propane Units |
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Backyard fire pits, chimneys and outdoor burning devices that utilize propane or natural gas as a fuel supply are allowed to be used on your property. They do not produce smoke or odours that irritate neighbours. They are not permitted on apartment balconies and in some condominium complexes (check your building's rules). Be sure to review and follow all safety precautions noted with the unit. |
| Smog Alert Days and Fire Bans |
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If you have an existing open air burning permit, please call us at 905-637-8253 before starting a fire. You will be informed at that time if burning is suspended due to local smog advisories or dry weather conditions. Check with local media for any information related to smog days and burning bans. The use of any open flame devices in all areas of Burlington such as propane or natural gas fire pits, candles, patio torches, barbecues, weed torches, etc. is discouraged during these conditions. |