Open Air Burn Permits 

Stay safe and enjoy responsible burning with Meaford's updated Open Air Burning By-law #2022-13. Here's everything you need to know about obtaining your permit and following the rules to keep our community safe.

How to Get Your Permit

All burn permits must be registered through Meaford Burn Permits.

  • A permit number is required before starting any burn.
  • A separate permit must be obtained for each type of open air burn.
  • Only one fire is permitted to burn at any given time.

Understanding the Open Air Burn By-law

By-law #2022-13 categorizes open air burns into six types based on burn size and required setbacks. These regulations are designed to limit fire spread and protect people, properties, and neighborhoods.

Six Types of Open Air Burn Permits
 Outdoor Fireplace
An Open Air Fire that is not greater than 0.8m (2.6ft) in diameter and 0.8m (2.6ft) in height and is within a manufactured non-combustible enclosed container such as fire bowls with spark arrestors on top or chimineas.

Fire must be out by 1am unless property is over 1 acre.

Fire Pit 

An Open Air Fire that is greater than 0.8m (2.6ft) in diameter and 0.8m (2.6ft) in height but not greater than 1 cubic meter in diameter and is within an approved device enclosed on all sides and constructed of masonry, concrete, stone, heavy gauge metal or other non-combustible materials.

Fire must be out by 1am unless property is over 1 acre.

Bonfire

An Open Air Fire that is greater then 1 cubic meter but is not greater than  2.2m(7ft) in length, by 2.2m (7ft) in width, by 2.2m (7ft) in height. 

This type of permit requires approval from the Chief Fire Official and you are required to notify at the start of each burn.

Fire can only be conducted on a parcel of land over 1 acre and can burn at any time.

Brush Fire 

An Open Air Fire that is greater than 2.2m(7ft) length, 2.2m (7ft) in width, and 2.2m(7ft) in height but is not greater than 3m (10ft) in length, by 3m (10ft) in width, by 3m (10ft) in height.  This fire is for the sole purpose of burning wood, tree limbs and branches. 

This type of permit requires approval from the Chief Fire Official and you are required to notify at the start of each burn.

Fire cannot be set, maintained or operated 2 hours prior to sunset.

Controlled Fire

An Open Air Fire that is greater than 3m (10ft) in length, by 3m (10ft) in width, by 3m (10ft) in height but not greater than 6m (20ft) in length, by 6m (20ft) in width, by 6m (20ft) in height. 

This type of permit requires approval from the Chief Fire Official and you are required to notify at the start of each burn.

Fire cannot be set, maintained or operated 2 hours prior to sunset.

Demolition Fire 

An Open Air Fire designed to remove a structure of only clean clear wood, with no indication of materials that are Household Waste, with an attached Building Permit to demolish the structure.

This type of permit requires approval from the Chief Fire Official and you are required to notify at the start of each burn.

Fire cannot be set, maintained or operated 2 hours prior to sunset.



General Provisions for Open Air Burns

All open air burns must follow these rules:

  • Annual Permits: Permits expire on December 31 each year.
  • Setbacks: Fires must comply with setback requirements based on burn type and size.
  • Location Restrictions: Fires are not allowed in front yards without approval from the Chief Fire Official.
  • Approved Materials Only: Burn only clean wood or by-products of clean wood. Household or yard waste is strictly prohibited.
  • Weather Considerations:
    • No burning during smog alerts or when wind speeds exceed 20 km/h.
    • Burning is prohibited during fire bans.
  • Minimize Nuisance: Ensure the fire does not disturb neighboring properties.
  • Notifications for Larger Fires: Bonfires, Brush Fires, Controlled Fires, and Demolition Fires require notification at the start of each burn.

Additional Notes for Approval-Required Permits

Bonfires, Brush Fires, Controlled Fires, and Demolition Fires require approval from the Chief Fire Official.

  • Permit applications submitted during business hours (Monday–Friday) will be reviewed within 24 hours.
  • Applications submitted on weekends will be reviewed the following business day.
  • Once approved, your permit number will be issued through Meaford Burn Permits.

For additional information and resources, please explore the links provided below or contact the Municipality of Meaford Fire Department by email fire@meaford.ca or phone 519-538-1060 extension 1602. 

 

Resources:

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