Chimineas, Fire Pits, and Open Air Burning
OPEN AIR BURNING
Are you considering purchasing a chiminea, fireplace, or other outdoor burning device? If so, this is considered open air burning and is only allowed in designated rural areas.
Open air burning is not permitted in the urban area of Burlington (South of Dundas Street / HWY 407), open air burning permits will not be issued for this area. The use of chimineas, fire pits, and fireplaces that do not meet the regulations for outdoor wood stoves or furnances is considered open air burning. Open air burning is allowed in limited areas of Burlington, please refer to the link below for a map of open air burning areas within Burlington. An open air burning permit is required.
If you reside within a designated approved open air burning area of Burlington, please note that an Open Air Burning Permit is required prior to all burning. A Fire Inspector will issue a burning permit following a site inspection. Permits will be issued for open air burning of leaves, brush, wood, etc. The burning of garbage or petroleum based products such as tires, shingles or plastics is strictly prohibited. The use of backyard fire pits and chimineas in these rural areas is also regulated under these permits.If you would like to request an open air burning permit (free of charge), please contact Fire Prevention via email at firedepartment@burlington.ca or call (905) 637-9536.
It is important to note that open air burning is prohibited in Article 2.6.3.4. of the Ontario Fire Code, unless approved by the local authority. Persons failing to comply with the Fire Code are subject to prosecution with a maximum fine of $50,000.00. The City of Burlington also has the ability to charge a fine for cost recovery of Fire Department responses to a residence where the activity has not been approved by the Fire Department.
Open air burning is considered a fire hazard and does pose a risk to nearby combustible materials such as homes, sheds, decks, landscape material, etc.
Map Of Open Air Burning Areas
For Open Air Burning information or to apply for a burning permit, please call 905-637-9536.
Open Air Burning - Other Municipalities
Contact the according Municipality Fire Department to discuss their requirements for use.
Concerned about use of chimineas or fire pits in your area?
If you have a concern that someone in your neighbourhood is burning and causing a safety concern, nuisance or the smell of smoke is entering your home, you can call for assistance. While the burning is taking place, call the non-emergency dispatch number (24 hours a day) at 905-637-8253. You will be asked to provide some information, such as the location of the burning and a return telephone number where you can be reached. This information is considered confidential and is used if the responding crew(s) requires more detail to locate the burning. An emergency response vehicle, in the area, will be dispatched on a non-emergency response to deal with the issue. The persons conducting the burning will not be told where the call originated from. If required, the fire will be extinguished and the person conducting the burning will be issued a written notice to discontinue future burning. Multiple responses to a location will result in cost recovery fees and charges under the Ontario Fire Code to the property owner. For more information, please contact the Fire Prevention office at firedepartment@burlington.ca or call 905-637-9536
Cooking Fires
The Ontario Fire Code does allow for a cooking fire which, consists of a small confined fire, supervised at all times and used to cook food on a grill.It is understood that outdoor fire pits, chimineas, and other related manufactured portable open air fire equipment/devices are generally intended for backyard bonfires and are not designed or intended for cooking applications. Units designed with provisions for cooking are to be used for that purpose only and must be extinguished immediately upon completion of cooking. Should the Burlington Fire Department respond to a complaint resulting from a resident conducting open air burning or cooking that does not comply with all the above noted requirements, they will be asked to extinguish the fire and a violation notice will be issued and possible prosecution under the Fire Code and/or cost recovery By-law.
Natural Gas and Propane Units
Back yard fire pits, chimineas and outdoor burning devices that utilize propane or natural gas as a fuel supply are permitted in all areas as they do not produce smoke or odours that irritate neighbours. These units are not permitted on apartment balconies and in some condominium complexes (check your buildings rules). Also be sure to review and follow all safety precautions noted with the unit.
Smog Alert Days and Fire Bans
Individuals who have an existing open air burning permit are required to call the non-emergency dispatch number (24 hours a day) at 905-637-8253 before starting a fire. They will be informed at that time if burning is suspended due to local smog advisories or dry weather conditions. Residents are also asked to check local media for any information related to smog days and burning bans. The use of any open flame device in all areas of Burlington such as propane or natural gas fire pits, candles, patio torches, barbeques, weed torches etc. is discouraged during these conditions.