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

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 . All open-air burning must adhere to the Open Air Burning Guidelines (PDF,  127 KB)

What is considered Open Air Burning?

There are 3 types of open air burning a resident in the rural area is permitted to conduct with the purchase an Open Air Burning Permit:

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

What is not considered open air burning and does not require a permit?

The following are allowed in both rural and urban areas. They are not considered open air burning and do not require a permit.

  • An outdoor propane or natural gas fire pit
  • A small, confined fire that is supervised at all times and used to cook food on a grill or a barbecue.

Important Information

  • Open Air Burning Permits will only be issued to property owners, or to those with written authorization from the owner. If you need to submit written authorization it can be emailed to [email protected].
  • You are only allowed to burn clean wood and brush.

Fee Price: $25.50 (2021)

How to purchase a burn permit

Online: Purchase my permit

Drop Box Application: Print and Complete the Application for Open Air Burn Permit form (PDF, 203 KB). The application and 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.