Burn Permits

Do You Need a Burn Permit?

You must get a burn permit for any of the following:

• Open-air fires (any fire not fully enclosed in a structure or approved device)

• Fires in a fire pit or outdoor fireplace

• Fires larger than 1 metre in diameter

• Any bonfire, brush fire, demolition fire, or controlled fire

• Burns on construction sites

Permits are required year-round, not just seasonally.

Common Exemptions

You do not need a permit for:

• Outdoor cooking devices like barbecues and hibachis using charcoal or gas

• Ceremonial fires held by First Nations, Métis, or Inuit communities

• Fires in campgrounds if they’re within approved devices

Burn Types

Here are a few examples of burn types :

• Fire Pit: Max 1 metre in diameter, flames not exceeding 1 cubic metre

• Bonfire: Max 2.2m (7.2 ft) wide and high; only 1 per property; minimum lot size: 1 acre

• Brush Fire: Max 3m x 3m x 3m; only 1 fire at a time

• Controlled Fire: Max 6m x 6m x 6m; only allowed on agricultural-zoned lands

• Demolition Fire: Only clean wood; requires both burn and demolition permits

Each fire type has detailed rules for distance from combustibles, supervision, water on site, and operation times. See the Open Air Burn By-law for more details.

How to Apply for a Permit

All burn permits are now online!
Apply anytime at georgianbluffs.burnpermits.ca

Burn permits for fire pits and outdoor fireplaces will be issued automatically, provided they meet all requirements. Permits for brush fires, bonfires, controlled burns, or demolition fires will be reviewed by the Fire Chief.

Permits expire on December 31 each year.

You must notify ITFD before lighting each burn (Exception: Fire Pits/Outdoor Fireplaces): 
Call 1-855-690-0777

Burn Safety

For any Open Air Fires, always follow these safety guidelines:

• Keep clear zones around your fire (3–15 metres, depending on fire type)

• Have water or a fire extinguisher ready

• Stay with your fire at all times until fully extinguished (no smoke or embers)

• No burning when winds exceed 20 km/h or during smog alerts

• Only burn clean wood—no household waste, plastics, or treated wood

• Fires must not be a nuisance to others (excess smoke, sparks)

Fire Bans

During dry or hazardous weather, the Fire Chief may declare a Fire Ban.

• All open-air fires are banned during a fire ban, even with a permit

• Fires in CSA/ULC-approved devices may be allowed; check for updates

Stay informed:

• Visit our website

• Call the fire department: 519-376-9933

• Watch for local news or social media updates

By following these guidelines and obtaining the necessary burn permits, you can help keep our community safe from accidental fires. If you have any questions about burn permits, fire bans, or fire safety, don’t hesitate to contact us at chief@itfd.ca or by calling 519-376-9933.