Open Air Burning

Because larger fires carry more risk, the Township requires additional time to ensure proper oversight. 

How to obtain a brush or windrow fire burn permit:

• Submit your application at least 5 business days before your planned burn date
• This time is needed to get approval from the Fire Chief
• The $50 fee must be paid before the permit is issued
• One permit is required per burn event.

Yes. A permit is required for all open-air fires except:

• Campfires and cooking fires at organized campgrounds (if permitted by the campground owner/operator)

Please see Brush and Windrow Burn Permits for additional information regarding these types of permits.

Online Visit: Get Your Burn Permit

• Complete the Open-Air Burning Permit Application 
• Sign it using Adobe e-signature
• Submit it directly through the website

Apply in Person: 365 Highway 531, Bonfield, ON, P0H 1E0

• Download and print the Open-Air Burning Permit Application from our website
• Fill it out and sign with an original (handwritten) signature
• Return the application to the front desk during regular business hours, Monday - Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Apply by Dropbox: 365 Highway 531, Bonfield, ON, P0H 1E0

• Download and print the Open-Air Burning Permit Application from our website
• Fill it out and sign with an original (handwritten) signature
• Drop the completed form in the secure drop box located outside the front door of the Township Office.

Permitted materials include:

• Tree trunks and branches
• Untreated wood products

Prohibited materials include:

• Wood treated with preservatives (e.g., chromated copper arsenate, creosote, pesticides, or paint)
• Plywood, glued, or composite wood products
• Upholstered items or furniture
• Items with rigid surface treatments (unless predominantly wood or cellulose)
• Hardware or attachments not primarily wood or cellulose
• Garbage

Permits are required for:

• Campfires
• Brush pile fires
• Burn barrels/incinerator fires
• Windrow fires (for farm or land clearing)

During Burn Season (April 1 – October 31):

• A permit is required for all open-air burning.
• Daytime burning is not permitted. Always check the Fire Rating before burning as burn start times and additional restrictions change with the fire rating. 

Outside Burn Season (November 1 – March 31): 

• Permits are still required for all open-air burning, including campfires, brush and windrow fires. 
• Daytime burning is allowed if the Fire Rating is Low, Moderate, or High

Only property owners may apply for a burn permit. If you rent or lease the property, your landlord must complete a Landlord Permission Statement.