Open Air Burning and Wildland Fires

Current Burn Ban Status

There is no burn ban in effect

Municipal open air burning information

We have a By-law 2021-070 that regulates open-air burning in Loyalist Township. You may be allowed to use a fire pit, fire bowl, chiminea, or other outdoor fireplaces where you live, if you follow the regulations for burning.

Before you have a fire, you should read the by-law so you understand all the regulations involved in having a safe and legal fire. If you aren't sure, call Emergency Services at 613-386-3762 to ask.

Burning is never permitted when there's a burn ban in place. Burn barrels are always prohibited.

Burn permits

Loyalist Township Emergency Services issues burn permits for residents wishing to set or maintain an open air fire. Please refer to By-law 2021-070 for information on minimum distances from structures, lot lines, for specific types of fires, and for health and safety of other residents regarding smoke. If you fail to follow the by-law you may be subject to charges and fines.

Apply for a Burn Permit

Who can obtain a burn permit?

Only residents living in approved areas can obtain a permit. Permits are conditional and may be revoked at any time.

Do I need a permit?

Campfires 60cm x 60cm in a contained appliance or fireplace with a spark screen do not require a permit. Brush and Agricultural fires do require a permit.

How can I obtain a burn permit?

You may register online, call Emergency Services at 613-386-3762, or visit us in person at our Amherstview station located at 363 Amherst Drive, Amherstview. There is a $25 fee payable to the Township by cash, cheque, or credit card.

What can I burn?

Please only burn wood, wood by-products (cardboard, paper etc.) or leaves. Never burn garbage or construction waste materials. Burn barrels are NEVER allowed.

If you live in Amherstview, Bath or Odessa

If you live in an “urban” section of Loyalist, you are allowed to have a cooking fire or campfire in an outdoor fireplace. A spark screen is required for fire bowls and other outdoor wood fireplaces. Any propane or natural gas outdoor appliance is permitted. It's important to use wood that is properly seasoned (dried) so it doesn't create excess smoke.

If you are a rural resident

 If you live in a rural area of Loyalist, you are allowed to have an outdoor fire for cooking, camping, or general enjoyment. Brush and agricultural fires require a burn permit.

Burn barrels and household garbage

Burn barrels are NEVER allowed

It's toxic

Burning household garbage is a major uncontrolled source of pollution in Canada, and is one of the largest known sources of dioxins and furans in Ontario. Dioxins and furans are a large family of more than 200 toxic substances. Exposure to them is associated with serious negative health effects. Dioxins released into the air from burning garbage fall onto the leaves of the plants that farm animals eat, and is stored in their body fat. When we eat the animals raised on those plants, we ingest dioxins.

It's illegal

Burn barrels are illegal, and you can be charged under the by-law if you use one. Please bag and tag your garbage for pickup at the curb.

It's costly

A fire that starts at a burn barrel can leave you with a large bill to pay if our fire department is called to respond.

Total burn bans

The Fire Chief or their designate may declare, at their discretion, a total burn ban to be in place. Absolutely no burning is allowed when a burn ban is in place. Total burn bans are strictly enforced and are subject to charge and fine.

Wildland Fire Information

Provincial wildland fire information

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry manages wildland fire within the Province of Ontario. To read more about their goals and objectives for wildland fire management visit their website or visit their interactive map.

Federal wildland fire information

The Canadian Wildland Fire Information System monitors fire danger conditions and fire occurrence across Canada. Daily weather conditions are collected from across Canada and used to produce fire weather and fire behavior maps.