Open Fire Permit

Apply Open Fire Permit Online

You must read and agree to the conditions for burning before proceeding with the online application process.

Please have your Visa or MasterCard ready. A non-refundable fee of $40.00 CDN for a one year permit.

Rental Dwelling - Any person/tenant living in a rental structure or in an area having multiple occupancies WILL NOT be issued a Recreational Burning Permit unless the Property Owners Permission to Burn Form is completed and signed by the owner and is submitted at the time of the site inspection. Property Owner Burn Permission to Burn

• Open burning will only be permitted no sooner than two hours before sunset and the fire must be extinguished no later than two hours after sunrise.
• Brush to be burned, must be in piles, maximum 2 metres (6 feet) high, 2 metres (6 feet) in diameter and 7 metres (20 feet) between the piles.
• Adjoining lot clearance restrictions for Open Burning will be established at 10 meters (33 feet) from any combustible materials or structure.
• Clean brush and other vegetation only may be burned, NO trash, such as garbage, tires, plastics, roofing or other building materials.
• No less than two persons will be present at all times during burning operations, with adequate firefighting equipment.
• Open Burning is only allowed in Zone A with an inspection. Fire Permit Zone Map  Adobe PDF, 1 page, 1556 KB

• Open Burning Permits will be issued and are valid for Jan. 1 to May 31 (inclusive) and Oct. 1 to Dec.31.
• No unapproved burning will take place as per the Ontario Fire Code. Burning will only be permitted after a permit is acquired.
• A $40.00 fee will be collected for a New Fire Permit which includes the inspection fee.
• Burning will be allowed only if approved and the site has been inspected by an Officer of the Thunder Bay Fire Rescue prior to issue of permit.
• Approved burning site shall not be altered without approval and inspection by the Fire Service.
• Permits are issued on an annual basis.
• No burning in wind greater than 16 km/hr or gusting conditions.
• Permits are non-transferable.
• Permits may be cancelled due to changes in ground or atmospheric conditions or non-conformity of the regulations.
• Permit cancellation may occur as a result of a legitimate smoke nuisance complaint or unsafe conditions.
• Permit cancellation may occur as a result of the Ministry of Natural Resources direction as to hazardous fire conditions or a fire ban has been issued by the Chief Fire Official. You may be notified of Fire Bans by email.

If you have any questions regarding the Guidelines, Conditions or if you are unsure if your burn location is in Zone A, please call your local Fire Station before proceeding with the online application.

The permit issued is subject to the conditions above, and does not relieve the permittee from liability resulting from fire damage or the effects of the products of combustion as the result of the setting out of the described fire. Burning without a permit or failure to comply with the above may result in a fine of up to $25,000.00.

Note: If you do not receive a confirmation email once your payment has been processed, please contact Fire Administration 807-625-2103 or email   FireRescue@thunderbay.ca

I have read the above Guidelines and Conditions and will abide by them for the Approved Burning.