Can I have more than one burn area location on my property?

Yes. You are required to obtain a permit for each type of burn on your property. You may have multiple permits, as long as you meet the required setbacks and you can only ignite one burn area location at a time. Click here for step-by-step instructions on how to add additional permit types.

Do I need a permit for a campfire on my property?

Yes. All Open Air Fires require a permit with required setbacks. Reference the types of permits to determine which permit meets your property setbacks. 

 I have an outdoor fireplace and a fire pit, do I need to notify each time I start the burn?

No. You are only required to notify at the start of each burn for a Bonfire, Brush Fire, Controlled or a Demolition fire. 

How much does it cost for a permit?

There is no charge for open air burning permits.

Do I need a permit for outdoor cooking device that has charcoal or pellets?

No. These types of fires do not require a permit, however are required to be on non-combustible surfaces while having a means of extinguishment readily available and disposed of in a sanitary manner.  

Outdoor cooking devices are permitted in our parks, and are required to be on non-combustible surface, to have supervision at all times and we require you take your cold materials from the fire with you.

Do I need a permit to have a fire in a campground?

No. As long as you burn within the supplied approved device of the campground and have means of extinguishment readily available.

What time does the fire have to be extinguished?

For Outdoor Fireplaces and Fire Pits on less than 1 acre of land, fires are to be extinguished by 1am of the same day.  If your property is over 1 acre of land, there is no time restriction. 

Brush Fires, Controlled Fires and Demolition Fires are only permitted to be set, maintained and operated 2 hours before sunset of the same day.  

Why do I have to obtain a permit?

To provide safe distances for different sizes of open air burns, to educate persons igniting a fire and to ensure the permit holders are accountable and responsible for the burn they are maintaining on their property.

How often do I need to obtain a permit?

All permits expires annually on December 31. All owners are to register their type of fire annually.

I registered for an open air burn permit, can I burn now?

Once registration is completed, you will receive a Permit Number and that is your record for obtaining an Open Air Burn Permit to have an open air fire.

Yes. Outdoor Fireplaces and Fire Pits, will be automatically approved after you have completed the Terms and Conditions and you can burn after you receive your permit number.

No. Bonfires, Brush Fires, Controlled Fires and Demolition Fires are required to be reviewed by the Chief Fire Official.  At that time, they will review and if they have any concerns they will call and may require an inspection. You cannot ignite the burn area until you have received approval. Any completed permits received Monday through Friday during regular business hours will be reviewed within 24 hours, and any completed permits received on Saturday or Sunday, will be reviewed the next following business day.

Do I have to notify every time I have a burn?

No. If you are conducting a fire in an Outdoor Fireplace or Fire Pit

Yes.  If you are conducting a Bonfire, Brush Fire, Controlled Fire or Demolition Fire you are required to call 1-855-693-0080 and follow prompts or log into your account to register and activate a burn.

Click here for instructions on how to notify of active burn online.

Do I have to obtain my burn permit online?

Yes. Permits are now available online by going to meaford.burnpermits.com

Looking for additional support applying? Click here for a step-by-step guide on how to create your account and apply for a burn permit.

If you are having difficulty and/or not able to process the permit on-line, you may contact fire@meaford.ca or 519-538-2121 to help with the permit application process.

For those requiring in-person assistance, please call 519-538-2121 to arrange an in-person appointment at 81 Stewart Street (Meaford Fire Hall).

If someone else will be conducting a burn on my property, who is required to obtain the permit?

The person conducting the burn is the one responsible for obtaining the burn permit. For example, if you own the property but someone else will be conducting the burn while you are not present, the person starting the active burn is required to obtain the permit and notify the start of an active burn.

Who do I contact if I know someone is burning something other than clean clear wood?

For immediate life and safety concerns and an uncontrolled open air fire, call 9-1-1.

For all other open air burn concerns, you have three options:

1. Call (519) 538-2121;
2. Email bylaw@meaford.ca (provide specific details to the concern as to location, reason for your concerns and your contact information)
3. Submit an official complaint online at meaford.ca/reportaconcern