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Residents can find essential information regarding the regulations and permit requirements for open-air burning on detached properties. The guidelines outline the types of containment allowed, the application process, and safety measures that must be followed to ensure compliance with local fire codes within Halton Hills.
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## Burning Status
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![Open Air Burning permitted. Click to obtain a burn permit]()
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## Burn Permit Applications
1. 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.
2. When burning is permitted, only residents with a valid open-air burn permit may burn.
3. 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 was taken from the back fence facing the back of the home, and another was taken from the back of the home towards the fence. Both pictures must include what you are using for containment (i.e., chiminea/burn barrel/stone surround). The picture should also show 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.
Burn Permit Application
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| Application information |
| Charges for Open Air Burning Permit are as follows: | **Permit Type** | **Cost** | | --- | --- | | Recreation or Residential | $27 | | Commercial/Construction | $525 | | Farm | No Fee | To obtain a permit, the applicant must complete an application online by completing the Burn Permit Application on the Community Connect platform. 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 with 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. |
| Permit conditions |
| Conditions for a Burn Permit Ontario 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." Interpretation A '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 * The Fire Department Dispatch shall be notified before and after each commercial/construction, farm, or special Open Air Burn. When contacting the Dispatch regarding Open-Air Burning, reference the Permit Number at the top of the Permit form. * Burning shall be conducted as per the conditions of the permit. Approval to burn with extended hours may be granted in circumstances where it is demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Chief Fire Official that it is necessary and may be done safely. The approved hours shall be specified on the Permit. * At least one person named on the permit shall ensure they are present at and attend the fire at all times until completely extinguished. * At least one person named on the permit shall ensure an approved method of extinguishment is readily available on site in order to prevent the fire from spreading beyond control, and/or causing damage or danger to persons or property. Adequate equipment shall be as specified on the Permit by the issuing Chief Fire Official in consideration of the location and materials to be burned. * At least one person named on the permit shall ensure the fire does not include any of the products listed below: At least one person named on the permit shall ensure the burn site has a minimum clear distance from building structures, hedges, fences, property lines and/or windbreaks as specified on the Permit. + petroleum-based products such as oil or grease; + asphalt materials, including building materials; + aerosol or pressurized containers; + wood products with high glue content, such as particle board/plywood; + any product known to be harmful to the environment + rubber products, including tires; + plastic products; + wood or paper products treated with chemical preservatives; + household garbage + NOTE: Leaves and other compostable yard waste may not be burned in the urban areas or where yard waste pick-up is available. * At least one person named on the permit shall ensure the burn site is clear of ground cover vegetation as specified on the Permit. * At least one person named on the permit shall ensure the volume of materials burned at one time does not exceed that specified on the Permit. * At least one person named on the permit shall ensure the fire is contained in the manner specified on the Permit. * At least one person named on the permit shall ensure that Open Air Burning does not contravene rules or regulations set forth by the Ministry of the Environment. * At least one person named on the permit shall confirm before burning, on the Fire Department webpage, that burning is permitted and monitor the conditions throughout the duration of the burn. * If you are not the registered owner of the property, you must submit a written letter of authorization from the property owner. Recreational and residential specific requirements * Only seasoned (dry) wood shall be burned. Burning of leaves or other compostable yard waste is prohibited in the urban areas or where yard waste pick-up is available. * Only paper and kindling (no flammable or combustible liquids) shall be used to start the fire. * Where children will be present, they shall not be allowed to play with fire and shall be supervised by an adult at all times. * No fire container shall be used to obstruct pedestrian or vehicle traffic either on the roadway or the entrance to the property (i.e. Steel drum or barrel). Municipal address * The municipal address of the property must be clearly posted at the burn site. * In rural areas and at construction sites where no municipal address is assigned to the site, the Notice provided by the Halton Hills Fire Department shall be posted at the entrance to the site. |
| Penalties |
| 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. * Extinguishment of the fire. * Revocation of the Permit To Conduct Open Air Burning. * Refusal of future requests for a Permit To Conduct Open Air Burning. * Assessment of Service Charges per the Town User Fee By-Law * Laying of charge(s) under the authority of the Fire Protection and Prevention Act 1997. 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 Recovery In 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. |
| FAQs |
| 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 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) |
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