- Open air burn permits are only available for consideration on detached properties. Open Air Burning (i.e. chimnea, fire pit, fire bowl, prefab fireplace) is not permitted in Town Homes OR Semi-detached properties.
- When burning is permitted, only residents with a valid open air burn permit may burn.
- When a burn ban is in effect, all permits are suspended until the ban is lifted.
When applying for a new burn permit (an expired permit older than 12 months from the current date is considered a New Permit and not a renewal), please include two pictures. One picture taken from the back fence facing the back of the home and one picture taken from the back of the home towards the fence. Both pictures MUST include what you are using for containment (i.e. chimnea/burn barrel/stone surround). The picture should also your method of extinguishment (e.g. garden hose) and that it will safely reach the burn area. When submitting your pictures, be mindful that adequate clearance from combustibles and structures must be clearly visible.
Open Air Burn Permit Application
Application information |
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To obtain a permit, the applicant must complete an application online by completing the Burn Permit Application form. Payments can be made online by Visa or MasterCard through the online form. New permits require attachment of photos to show containment (i.e., chimnea, fire pit, fire bowl, prefab fireplace) and proof of extinguishment (i.e., hose, fire extinguisher). The photos must clearly show a minimum 6-foot clearance from all surrounding structures. Upon receipt of the completed application and appropriate funds received, the Fire Department will then conduct a site inspection (if required). The inspector will issue you a permit upon a successful site inspection and agreement to follow the conditions of the permit (listed below). There will be no refunds for a failed inspection but there will be no fee associated for any re-inspection required. Inspections for renewals of farm or recreational/residential permits are not required. Upon receipt of the completed application and appropriate funds, an approved permit will be issued. If you do not have access to a computer or a Visa/MasterCard, you may visit the Georgetown Fire Department at 14007 10 Sideroad to complete your application and make your payment in person. Further information can be obtained by calling 905-877-1133 or emailing the Fire Department. |
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Permit conditions |
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Conditions for a Burn PermitOntario Fire Code Sentence 2.4.4.4(1) states “Open air burning shall not take place unless (a) it has been approved, or (b) the open-air burning consists of a small, confined fire that is (i) used to cook food on a grill, barbecue or spit, (ii) commensurate with the type and quantity of food being cooked, and (iii) supervised at all times." InterpretationA ‘small, confined fire' used to cook food is defined as a fire reasonably proportioned to the food being cooked. Cooking of food other than on a grill/BBQ or spit requires an open air burn permit. The fire must be contained in a fire pit or enclosure that is constructed of a non-combustible material such as stones, cement or metal. The enclosure shall be designed to limit the size of the fire to the surface area of a household barbecue. The fire must be extinguished immediately after the food has been cooked. Permit to conduct open air burning general requirements
Recreational and residential specific requirements
Municipal address
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Penalties |
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Any violation of the conditions of the Permit to Conduct Open Air Burning, in the opinion of the Fire Department, will result in any or all of the following action(s) being taken.
Subsection 28(3)(b) of the Fire Protection and Prevention Act 1997 states: “An individual convicted of an offence is liable to, in the case of an offence for contravention of the fire code, a fine of not more than $50,000 or to imprisonment for a term of not more than one year, or to both.” Subsection 28(4) of the Fire Protection and Prevention Act 1997 states: “A corporation is convicted of an offence is liable to a fine of not more than $100,000.” Subsection 28(5) of the Fire Protection and Prevention Act 1997 states: “A director or officer of a corporation who knows that the corporation is violating or has violated a provision of the fire code is guilty of an offence and on conviction is liable to a fine of not more than $50,000 or to imprisonment for a term of not more than one year, or both.” Cost RecoveryIn the event the Halton Hills Fire Department responds to extinguish Open Air Burning being conducted without a Permit, or in violation of the conditions of the Permit, the full costs of extinguishment, including labour costs and equipment costs, as determined by the Chief Fire Official may be charged to the property owner and/or Permit Holder. |
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Frequently asked questions |
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Are outdoor fireplaces and fire-pits legal? Many retailers in the area sell various types of outdoor fireplaces, fire-pits and chimneas. The use of these appliances is considered as a form of open air burning and they are permitted in the Town of Halton Hills, but only with the issuance of an open air burning permit. If you require additional information on the Open Air Burning or need assistance in obtaining a permit, call the Fire Department. Certified fuel-fired appliances do not require an open air burn permit (i.e. propane/natural gas heaters or fire tables) as per Ontario Fire Code 2.4.4.4(2) |