Open-Air Burning - Camp Fire, Chimineas, Fire Pits

Changes to Open-Air Burning

The City of Burlington has made changes to the Open-Air Burning Bylaw 65-2019 effective immediately along with changes to open-air burning permits.

Below are some of the changes:

• All permits require a site visit from the Burlington Fire Department.
• All permits and renewals completed in 2020 are now a lifetime permit, with exception of North Aldershot.
• Permit holders are not required to call the Burlington Fire Department before or after burning.
• Fires of any kind are not permitted within the urban boundaries. This includes chimineas.

North Aldershot Open-Air Burning Permit Pilot Project

As part of a pilot project, residents in north Aldershot can apply for an Open-Air Burning Permit between March 15 and Nov. 15, 2020.

• All permits require a site-visit and approval from the Burlington Fire Department.
• Permits are valid only for the length of the pilot project, March 15 to Nov. 15, 2020.
• Permit holders are not required to call the Burlington Fire Department before or after burning.
• Permits can be cancelled at any time at the discretion of the Burlington Fire Department.

Due to hazards of burning and the impact of climate change and air quality on our health and environment, burning brush should be considered a last resort. Rural residents are encouraged to take their unwanted brush to Halton Waste Management Site. If possible, mulching or recycling are also preferred options.

Open-Air Burning: Chiminea and Fire Pits

Fires of any kind are not permitted within the urban boundaries of the City of Burlington. Exemptions to this include:

• Backyard fire pits, chimineas, and outdoor burning devices that utilize propane or natural gas as fuel supply are permitted in all areas of the city, except apartment building balconies and where prohibited by condominium corporation rules.
• Permission of the Chief Fire Official is not required for open-air burning that consists of small, confined fire, supervised at all times, and used to cook food on a grill, barbeque or spit that is commensurate with the type and quantity of food being cooked.

Apply for an open air burn permit....

If you have a concern that someone in your neighbourhood is burning and causing a safety concern, please 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.