Appliances are allowed to be used if the user follows the manufacturers instructions. This includes items like barbeques, gas fireplaces, smokers, pizza ovens, etc.
Open-Air Burning and Permits
Fire permits
Township of Severn’s Open-Air Burning By-law regulates the issuing of fire permits, the size of fires and materials you can burn within an open-air fire.
We issue two types of fire permits:
- fire permit for all fires 61 cm in diameter or less
- agricultural fire permit for larger burns (our staff will need to visit the site to approve the permit)
Fire Danger Rating
Effective August 7, the Township of Severn issued a municipal-wide Fire Ban due to the EXTREME Fire Danger Rating.
With the Fire Ban in place, fire permits cannot be purchased and will not be issued.
No burning of any kind is permitted during a Fire Ban. Fireworks are also not allowed.
There will be zero tolerance for burning during the Fire Ban. Doing so will result in enforcement actions being taken which include fines and or ticketing as allowed under Township by-laws.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about the Fire Ban
View answers to some of the common questions we receive about the Fire Ban.
Can I use outdoor appliances during a Fire Ban?
Are Tiki torches or other outdoor open flame items permitted to be used?
No. Tiki torches and similar items (e.g., large outdoor candles that are placed in the ground on stakes or other holders, such as citronella candles) are not allowed. The open flame on these items can transfer to grass, trees, and structures and present a fire risk.
What number should I call if I see or witness an unattended or out of control fire?
In the event of an emergency such as an unattended or out of control fire, always call 9-1-1 immediately.
How can I report a non-emergency fire or a property that is not adhering to the Fire Ban?
To report non-emergency fire or a concern about a property or resident that is having an open-air fire despite the Fire Ban and Extreme Fire Danger Rating, please contact the Fire Prevention Officer during regular business hours (Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) at 705-325-2315 x248.
To report an after-hours (Monday to Friday between 4:31 p.m. and 8:29 a.m. and anytime on weekends) non-emergency fire or a concern about a property or resident that is having an open-air fire despite the Fire Ban and Extreme Fire Danger Rating, please contact Fire Dispatch at 705-325-5201.
Fire Danger Rating signs
Always check the fire rating before starting a fire. We've placed signs throughout the community to show the current fire rating. Burning is not permitted during a fire ban.
These signs are located at:
- Fire Station 1 at 3216 South Sparrow Lake Road
- Fire Station 2 at 3958 Burnside Line
- Fire Station 3 is located at 1 Firehall Lane, and the sign is at the Coldwater Dock (Upper Big Chute Road and River Street)
- Fire Station 4 at 2060 North River Drive
- Irish Line and Ellis Road
Permitted activities based on the fire danger rating
Fireworks permits
Fireworks of any type are not permitted during a Fire Ban and any permits will be suspended.
Learn more about our Fireworks By-law or contact our Fire Prevention Officer or call 705-325-2315 x248.
Air Quality Health Index
Stay informed on outdoor air quality conditions, plan your outdoor activities, and manage exposure to outdoor air pollution.
Since wildfire season is upon us, please refrain from burning if there is an air quality alert for our area. You can find alerts on the Government of Canada's Air Quality Health Index page.
Contact us
1024 Hurlwood Lane
Severn, Ontario
Phone: 705-325-2315
Fax: 705-327-5818
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