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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.

Appliances are allowed to be used if the user follows the manufacturers instructions. This includes items like barbeques, gas fireplaces, smokers, pizza ovens, etc. 

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. 

In the event of an emergency such as an unattended or out of control fire, always call 9-1-1 immediately.

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:

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.

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