Open Air Burning Permit

Under the City of Hamilton By-law 02-283, open-air burning is only allowed in areas that have been designated as rural. These designations are as set out in our Official Plan . You are only permitted to burn clean wood and brush.

Apply for an open air burning permit

Open Air Burning Permits will only be issued to those residents living in rural areas. You are allowed to burn clean wood and brush.

Your permit includes important information to ensure your open-air burning is conducted safely including:

  • Restrictions on the size of the fire
  • The importance of supervising your fire
  • How to extinguishing your fire correctly

Residents living in urban areas are not permitted to conduct open-air burning. You do not need a permit for approved outdoor propane/natural gas appliances.

Cost: $10 per permit. Permits are valid for the calendar year. 

Where to purchase 

You can purchase a permit at one of these locations:

Location hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm

Additional locations: 
These locations may not have personnel on site at all times:

  • Fire Prevention – Mountain Office, Station 21 – 365 Wilson Street, Ancaster
  • Fire Prevention – East Office, Station 12 – 199 Highway #8, Stoney Creek
  • Fire Station 12 - 199 Highway #8, Stoney Creek
  • Fire Station 21 - 365 Wilson Street, Ancaster
  • Fire Station 23 – Memorial Square, Dundas
  • Fire Station 24 – 252 Parkside Drive, Waterdown