Fire

Open Air Burning 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.

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

Fire Prevention
55 King William Street 
Hamilton, ON, L8R 1A2

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 . 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 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.

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: $25 per permit (2020 fee). Permits are valid for the calendar year. 

Where to purchase 

You can purchase a permit at one of these locations: