A Reminder of Haldimand County’s Recreational and Non-recreational Fire By-Laws

The arrival of warmer weather has sparked an uptick in recreational and non-recreational fires in Haldimand County.  The Haldimand County Fire Department would like to remind all residents of our Open Air Burn By-law.  We kindly ask for everyone’s cooperation to ensure that all outdoor fires are safe and controlled.

Haldimand County does allow small fires (recreational) in all areas without a permit as long as the fire meets all of the regulations found in the Open Air Burn By-law.  Things to remember when having a fire on your property are:

• The fire is contained and supervised at all times.
• Recreational fires must be at least 10 meters from buildings and structures.
• A means of extinguishing the fire must be available.
• Measures must be in place, so no one is adversely affected by the smoke and odours from your fire.

However, Haldimand County only permits Non-recreational fires in specific regions.  As a result, you must acquire a burn permit available on the Haldimand County Website.  Non-recreational fires must meet all of the regulations set out in the by-law.

These regulations include:

• Non-recreational fires must remain under supervision at all times.
• Fires must be contained to an area not exceeding 6 meters by 6 meters.
• Non-recreational fires must be 60 meters from all buildings, roadways and anything combustible.

Conducting Open-air fires that are not in line with Haldimand County’s by-law presents potential safety hazards.  Anyone running an open-air fire that violates the by-law is subject to fines, provincial prosecution and recovery of costs required to respond to and extinguish the fire.

If you have further questions regarding Haldimand County’s Open Air Burn By-law or our Burn Permit, please reach out to Haldimand County Emergency Services at (905) 318-5932, extension 6230.