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Open-air burning permits and exceptions in Burlington, Ontario
Burlington, Ontario, Canada
Urban Burlington does not allow ordinary open-air burning. Eligible rural properties need a free permit and inspection. Small cooking fires and approved gas units have different rules.
Key information
Urban Burlington does not allow ordinary open-air burning. Eligible rural properties need a free permit and inspection. Small cooking fires and approved gas units have different rules.
On this page
At a glance
| Task or rule | What to know |
|---|---|
| Urban fire pits | Not allowed as ordinary open-air burning |
| Designated rural property | Permit required |
| Permit price | Free |
| New permit | Fire Prevention site inspection |
| Forbidden fuels | Garbage and petroleum products, including tires and plastics |
Sources: Burn Permits | City of Burlington
A fire pit is still open-air burning
The city includes fire pits, chimineas and outdoor fireplaces in open-air burning. Owning a manufactured device does not make wood burning legal in an urban yard. Rural eligibility depends on the designated area, not just a large lot.
Permits cover approved campfires, cooking fires and specified material such as leaves, brush and wood. Burning garbage, tires, shingles or plastic is prohibited. The city recommends mulching, recycling or taking unwanted brush to the Halton Waste Management Site rather than burning it.
Sources: Burn Permits | City of Burlington
Request and keep the permit conditions
Request the free permit through the city's form or call 905-637-9536. A Fire Prevention Inspector checks a new burn site. After 2020, new and renewed permits generally do not expire while the property owner remains the same, with a North Aldershot exception.
A changed burn location may need another inspection. The city says permit holders do not need to phone before and after each burn. That does not override a fire ban or smog restriction; ask 905-637-8253 if conditions are uncertain.
Sources: Burn Permits | City of Burlington
Cooking and gas exceptions
A small confined fire on a grill, barbecue or spit for cooking is allowed when supervised and sized for the food. Use cooking equipment only for cooking and extinguish the fire immediately afterwards.
Propane and natural-gas fire tables or bowls are allowed under the stated exception, but not on apartment balconies or where condominium rules prohibit them. During dry weather or smog advisories, the city discourages even these open-flame devices.
Report suspected prohibited burning or an active-fire complaint to 905-637-8253. Staff ask for the burning location and your number to clarify the report. The source says the complaint remains anonymous to the person burning.
Sources: Burn Permits | City of Burlington
Questions and answers
Can I burn wood in an urban backyard fire pit?
No. The city treats fire pits as open-air burning and prohibits that use in urban areas.
Is a chiminea exempt from the rule?
No. Chimineas are included in open-air burning unless using an allowed gas-fuel exception.
Can every rural property get a permit?
No. The property must be in a designated open-air burning area.
What does the permit cost?
The source offers the permit free of charge.
Will staff inspect a new burn site?
Yes. A Fire Prevention Inspector schedules an inspection for new requests.
Does the permit always expire annually?
The page says post 2020 permits generally do not expire while ownership stays the same, except North Aldershot.
Do I call before every burn?
The source says permit holders need not call before and after burning. Check restrictions when weather creates uncertainty.
Can I burn plastic or old roofing material?
No. Petroleum-based waste such as plastics, tires and shingles is forbidden.
Can I use a gas fire bowl on an apartment balcony?
No. The gas-device exception does not extend to apartment balconies.
Who takes a prohibited-burning complaint?
Call 905-637-8253 with the location. The city may dispatch a response vehicle and stop the burning.
Official service and next steps
Sources: Burn Permits | City of Burlington