Fire

Open Air Burning Permit

COVID-19: Hamilton Fire Department

Updated December 7, 2020

These programs/services remain operational:

  • Fire inspections for mandatory legislated inspections, life safety inspections and complaints regarding fire safety
  • Alarmed and Ready program on an as needed basis
  • Open Air Burn Permits available for purchase online, by phone (credit card payment only), in person at City Hall and via the drop box at selected Municipal Service Centers (Dundas, Glanbrook and Stoney Creek)

These programs/services are currently suspended:

  • Volunteer Inspection Program
  • Home Fire Safety Inspection Program
  • Commercial Inspections
  • Station, business and facilities tours
  • Community and public education events

Burn Permits now available for online purchase

Under the City of Hamilton By-law 02-283, (PDF, 768 KB) open-air burning is only allowed in areas that have been designated as rural. These designations are as set out in our Official Plan . Open Air Burning Permits will only be issued to property owners, or to those with authorization from the owner.  All open-air burning must adhere to the Open Air Burning Guidelines (PDF,  127 KB)

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 including propane and natural gas fire pits.

The following Open Air Burning Permit types are now available for purchase online:

  • Standard Fire
    • Maximum size: 2m x 2m x 1m in height
    • Minimum clearances: 30m to any building or other combustible material
  • Recreational Campfire
    • Maximum size: 0.6m in diameter
    • Minimum clearances: 3m to any building or other combustible material
  • Outdoor Fireplace
    • Maximum size: Flames confined to the fireplace unit and do not extend into the chimney
    • Minimum clearances: 3m to any building or other combustible material

For other permit types please contact Fire Prevention at 905-546-2424 x1380 or [email protected].

Cost: $25.50 per permit (2021 fee). Permits are valid for the calendar year. 

Purchase my permit

 

Temporary Changes to the Burn Permit Application Process

March 25, 2020: To help slow the rate of COVID-19 infection in Hamilton, the City of Hamilton has temporarily closed Municipal Sevice Centres, where residents would usually apply for Burn Permits.

Open Air Burning Permits will only be issued to property owners, or to those with written authorization from the owner.

Temporary measures are in place to assist residents in acquiring burn permits. To apply for a burn permit:

Phone Application – Credit Card Payment only

  • Email our Municipal Service Centre at [email protected] stating you would like to purchase a burn permit. Include your name, phone number, and the address of the burn site in your email.
  • Municipal Service Centre staff will call you back to complete the application and purchase of the burn permit.
  • Your burn permit will be mailed to you. If you provide an email address on the application, a  scanned copy of the burn permit will also be emailed.

Drop Box for Application

Print and Complete the Application for Open Air Burn Permit form (PDF, 203 KB). The application and $25.50 fee payable by cheque to the City of Hamilton - Fire Prevention can dropped off in person to drop boxes at select City locations.

In person drop box locations:

 Your burn permit will be mailed to you. If you provide an email address on the application, a scanned copy of the burn permit will also be emailed.

 

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 . 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 including propane and natural gas fire pits. All open-air burning must adhere to the Open Air Burning Guidelines (PDF, 127 KB)

Apply for an open air burning permit

Open Air Burning Permits will only be issued to property owners, or to those with written authorization from the owner. Permits are only available for those residents living in rural areas. You are allowed to burn clean wood and brush.

Cost: $25.50 per permit (2021 fee). Permits are valid for the calendar year. 

Where to purchase 

You can purchase a permit at one of these locations: