Burn Permits and Open Burning

Please allow at least 24 hours' notice before planning to burn. Advanced notice is required for inspection and authorization. Permits are free!

To apply, you can visit our online portal at https://ek.burnpermits.com, call toll-free at 1-844-749-2876, or contact the Main Fire Station at 613-498-2460.

Important: If the Fire Department is called and you have not obtained prior authorization, you may be held responsible for the associated costs and/or face charges under the Ontario Fire Code, or both.

Remember, regardless of authorization, the individual who starts the fire is responsible for any impact it may have on neighboring property or individuals.

Twigs, branches, leaves, and other natural debris from your property may only be burned with the permission of the Fire Department and in accordance with the following rules and regulations.

Revised July 2017

ONTARIO FIRE CODE 2.4.4.4 - Open Air Burning Regulations

Open air burning shall not be permitted unless approved, or unless it consists of a small, confined fire, supervised at all times, and used to cook food on a grill or barbecue.

Administration Office Hours:

• Monday to Friday: 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

• Notice for Inspection and Approval: A 24-hour notice is required for inspection and approval.

Responsibility of the Person Requesting Permission for Open Burning:

The individual requesting permission assumes full responsibility for conducting open burning in accordance with the following safety measures and common sense practices:

1. No Open Fires Between Sunset and Sunrise
   No person shall set or maintain an open fire between sunset and sunrise.

2. Supervision and Safety
   All open fires must be attended at all times by a sufficient number of competent persons and must have sufficient equipment on hand to control the fire.

3. Proximity to Structures
   No open fire should be located within 150 meters (492 feet) of any structure, unless the material to be burned is one cubic yard or less in volume.

4. Wind Conditions
   No open fire shall be maintained when the wind direction causes a decrease in visibility on any traveled road or creates an odor that has an adverse effect on persons living in the area.

5. Adverse Weather Conditions
   No open fire should be started on days with adverse weather or conditions that prevent the ready dispersion of smoke.

6. Prohibited Materials
   Materials to be burned must not include petroleum products, plastics, rubber, or any materials that create excessive smoke or cause environmental damage.

Failure to Comply:

Failure to comply with any provisions of this article may result in the following:

• Revocation of your privilege to burn

• Charges under the current Ministry of Transportation rate (in excess of $570.50 per hour) for each responding vehicle

• Possible penalties for all of the above

Environmental Considerations:

It must be recognized that open burning can cause air pollution. Smoke and odors from open fires can:

• Aggravate respiratory conditions

• Pollute soil and property

• Reduce visibility

• Lessen the enjoyment of property

Section 14 of the Environmental Protection Act states:
“Despite any provisions of this Act or the Regulations, no person shall discharge a contaminant or cause or permit the discharge of a contaminant into the natural environment that causes or is likely to cause an adverse effect.”

Important Note: Never burn plastics, rubber materials, synthetic materials, or household refuse.

Definition of Adverse Effect:

As per Section 14 of the Environmental Protection Act, an adverse effect includes one or more of the following:

• Impairment of the quality of the natural environment for any use that it can be made of

• Injury or damage to property, or to plant or animal life

• Harm or material discomfort to any person

• Adverse effect on any person

• Impairment of the safety of any person

• Rendering any property or plant or animal life unfit for use by humans

• Loss of enjoyment or normal use of property

• Interference with the normal conduct of business

Burning in an Incinerator – Conditions and Guidelines

Burning in an incinerator is permitted without notification when all of the following conditions are met, unless a Fire Ban has been imposed by the Chief Fire Official or their designate.
Check the current fire risk level at: https://ek.burnpermits.com
Or contact the fire department at 613-498-2460 for more information.

Conditions for Burning in an Incinerator:

1. Use a Metal Barrel
   Ensure the incinerator is a metal barrel in good condition.

2. Use a Noncombustible Screen
   Place a heavy, noncombustible screen on top of the incinerator.

   • The mesh size should be less than 12.7mm (1/2").

   • Weight the screen with a rock or brick to prevent it from falling off.

3. Safety Equipment on Hand
   Keep a shovel, rake, and water readily available at all times to control the fire.

4. Incinerator Site Location
   The incinerator must be at least 5 meters (16 feet) away from any combustible materials, such as:

   • Trees

   • Overhanging branches

   • Buildings

   • Overhead utility lines

5. Site Preparation
   Clear the incinerator site down to mineral soil (sand/gravel), at least 2 meters (6.5 feet) from the sides of the incinerator in all directions.

Fire Safety:

• Never Leave a Fire Unattended
  Always ensure that a responsible person is watching the fire at all times. A fire can quickly grow out of control and cause significant damage.

• Extinguish the Fire When Leaving
  Always extinguish the fire before leaving the site for any period of time, even for a minute.

• Ideal Conditions for Burning
  Plan to burn during the coolest, dampest, and calmest time of day.
  Fires are more likely to get out of control on a hot, dry day.

Never Start a Fire in Your Incinerator:

• On a windy day

• Before dawn

• After dusk