Open air burning in Port Colborne is regulated to help protect people, property and the surrounding community.
Before having a recreational fire or conducting other open air burning, make sure you understand the requirements that apply.
Recreational Fires
Recreational fires, including campfires, are permitted provided the following conditions are met:
The fire must be located at least 3 metres (10 feet) from any building, property line, or combustible material.
A minimum of 5 metres (16.5 feet) of vertical clearance must be maintained above the fire pit from any combustible material.
The fire must not exceed 1 metre (3 feet) in diameter or 0.6 metres (2 feet) in height.
The fire must be contained at all times
A responsible person 18 years of age or older must supervise the fire at all times.
The fire must be fully extinguished by 11:00 p.m.
Only clean, dry, seasoned wood may be burned. The burning of painted, treated, stained, or otherwise contaminated wood is prohibited.
A means of extinguishing the fire, such as water, sand, or a fire extinguisher, must be readily available.
Wind speed and direction must be assessed before lighting the fire and monitored throughout the burning period to ensure the spread of fire is prevented.
Failure to comply with these requirements may result in enforcement action and/or liability for any damages caused by the fire.
Fire size - Fire is to be no longer than 1m (3') in diameter and 0.6m (2')
Combustibles - Fire must be at least 3m (10') away from combustibles
Vertical Clearance - 5m (16.5') top of fire pit to combustibles
Containment - Fire must be contained at all times
Permitted Hours - Burning is permitted until 11 p.m.
Attended - Fire must be supervised by someone 18+
Burning Materials - Only burn clean, dry firewood
Extinguishing - Only use water to extinguish, not extinguishing agents
Nuisance - Make sure smoke is not bothering your neighbours
Wind Speed - Be mindful of direction/intensity
Reminder - Individuals wanting to burn recreational fires outdoors must ensure proper safety precautions are taken and that consideration is given to neighbouring properties.
Burning toxic materials and yard waste (brush, leaves, grass, etc.) is not permitted. For more information, contact: Port Colborne Fire & Emergency Services at 905-835-2900.
Non-Recreational Open Air Burning
Agricultural property owners wishing to burn brush, branches, or other permitted vegetative material must obtain approval from Port Colborne Fire & Emergency Services prior to conducting an open-air burn.
Before Permission is Granted
Prior to authorization for an open-air burn is issued, the following requirements must be met:
Port Colborne Fire & Emergency Services must conduct a site inspection.
The area above and surrounding the burn pile must be free of overhead obstructions and combustible materials.
The use of accelerants or flammable liquids to ignite or maintain the fire is prohibited.
A responsible person who is at least 18 years of age must remain in attendance and continuously supervise the fire until it is fully extinguished.
Adequate fire suppression equipment and a means to immediately extinguish the fire, such as a water supply, must be readily available at the burn site.
Permission from the Fire Chief or designate is required before conducting non-recreational open air burning in Port Colborne.
Please complete the inspection request form. A member of the Fire Prevention Division will contact you to schedule an appointment. Submitting the form does not result in an immediate inspection.
