Open Air Burning Permit

Permits are only valid for the burn site indicated on the permit. Permits are valid until December 31st of the year of issue.

Permits must be available for viewing at the burn site upon request.

Permit holders are limited to one (1) fire (pit, appliance, barrel, campfire, etc.) burning at any time.

Fire is to be attended and supervised at all times by person(s) named on the permit and completely extinguished at the end of each working/burning day.

Complaints received regarding problems associated with smoke may be cause for an approval to be rescinded. Burning is not to take place when winds will cause smoke to be an annoyance to nearby properties or roadways.

Fire must not exceed the maximum size for the type of permit issued:

• Standard: 2m X 2m X 1m in height

• Recreational campfire: 0.6m in diameter and must be confined (ie. steel rim, bricks, stone,)

• Outdoor fireplaces: Flames confined to the unit and do not extend into the chimney

Fire must meet the minimum clearances for the type of permit issued:

• Standard: 30m to any building or other combustible material

• Recreational campfire: 3m to any other combustible material

• Outdoor fireplace: 3m to any other combustible material

Only the burning of clean wood and brush is permitted. The burning of leaves is not a form of open air burning and is not permitted. Leaves are picked up by the City through the Yard Waste Program or can be taken to any Community Recycling Centre free of charge for residents. 

Equipment capable of extinguishing the fire is to be on site at all times burning is carried out. (i.e.: fire extinguishers, garden hose, portable pump and hose, bobcat etc.)

Removal of all vegetation around the burn area to a distance that is equal to twice the approved height of burn pile. (i.e.: a standard burn pile of 2m x 2m x 1m in height requires all vegetation to be cleared for 2 metres around burn pile)

Open air burning shall not be carried out on Smog Alert/Advisory days which can impact the health of residents. Residents should call the City of Hamilton at (905) 546-CITY for information pertaining to days designated as Smog Alert/Advisory days. Information can also be obtained by calling the Ontario Ministry of the Environment Air Quality Index Reporting System at 1-800-387-7768.

Outdoor fireplace use is to comply with the manufacturer’s safety guidelines and operating instructions.

Outdoor fireplace must be installed on a non-combustible surface.