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.
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.
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.
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 1:00 a.m. unless the property is over 1 acre. |
| Fire Pit (Most Common) |
|
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 metre 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 1:00 a.m. unless the property is over 1 acre. |
| Bonfire |
|
An Open Air Fire that is greater than 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) in 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 before 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 before 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 before sunset. |
Pemit FAQ
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What is the difference between an outdoor fire pit and an outdoor fireplace? |
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An outdoor fire pit is similar to a traditional campfire. It is open to the air and usually enclosed by a ring of rocks, masonry, or metal. An outdoor fireplace is a manufactured, enclosed device such as a chiminea or fire bowl. These units usually have spark arrestors and are designed to contain the fire more fully. |
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How do I know which burn permit I need? |
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When applying for a permit, it is important to carefully read the description of each burn type. Permit requirements vary based on:
Choosing the correct permit helps ensure your fire is safe and compliant with the bylaw. |
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Can more than one person use the same phone number to apply for a burn permit? |
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No. Each burn permit account must use a unique phone number. Using the same number can delay approval. |
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What is a “Controlled Fire” permit? |
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A Controlled Fire permit is intended for large-scale burns, such as agricultural or land-management fires. It is not meant for small recreational fires. Many residents assume their fire is “controlled,” but this permit type has specific requirements and is not suitable for typical fire pits or fireplaces. |
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Why do permit descriptions include distances and measurements? |
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Fire safety rules are based on minimum distances to reduce the risk of fire spreading. These include how far your fire must be from:
Reviewing these requirements before applying will help you select the correct permit and avoid delays. |
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 on 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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