Can I burn today in Arran-Elderslie?
Arran-Elderslie’s by-law does not set out what each fire danger rating allows, so this page cannot tell you whether today is a burning day. Today’s rating is beside this, and the fire hall below has the answer.
- Air quality (AQHI)
- 2 · Low risk
- Measured at
- Tiverton
- Observed
- 1:00 AM EDT Thursday 10 September 2026 · rating measured at the centre of Bruce County, which covers a wide area
A rating is not permission. Arran-Elderslie requires a permit, and a fire ban can be declared at any time. Arran-Elderslie Fire & Emergency Services decides — not this page.
One full calendar year from date of issuance
One full calendar year from date of issuance
One full calendar year from date of issuance
Apply online at arran-elderslie.burnpermits.com (create an account, select permit type – Agricultural/Non-Agricultural/Urban Recreational – for a property in an approved area)
No fee is currently charged
Keep the permit and comply with its terms.
Permit required (Section 3.1)
No person shall set, maintain, permit or cause to be set or maintained an open-air fire in the Municipality without a current valid permit.
Central Business District prohibition (Section 3.5)
No person shall set an open fire in any of the central business districts of the Municipality. Refer to Schedule “B”
Wind threshold (Section 5.4)
No person shall permit an open-air fire to occur when the wind velocity is reported to be greater than fifteen (15) kilometers per hour.
Urban / minimum lot size restriction (Section 4.8)
Agricultural and Non-Agricultural Open-Air Burning is not permitted in urban areas within the Municipality or on properties less than 2 acres in size.
Agricultural setback and pile size (Section 5.8)
(a) It’s a minimum of ten (10) meters (thirty-three (33 feet)) from combustible structure, vegetation, or other combustible material, highway, overhead wire or a property line; and (b) the volume of materials burned at one time does not exceed a quantity that can be safely managed with on-site extinguishment capabilities. Regardless of those capabilities, the maximum pile size shall not exceed six (6) meters by six (6) meters by two (2) meters high (twenty (20) feet long by twenty (20) feet wide by six (6) feet high).
Non-Agricultural / Urban Recreational setback (Section 5.9)
(a) It is physically confined i.e., by a steel rim, bricks, or stones; and (b) It is a minimum of three (3) meters (ten (10) feet) from combustible structure, vegetation, or other combustible material, highway, overhead wire or a property line.
Prohibited materials (Section 5.10)
No person shall burn any prohibited items including but not limited to the following as listed below: (a) petroleum based products such as oil or grease; (b) asphalt materials including building materials; (c) aerosol or pressurized containers; (d) wood products with high glue content (i.e., particle board); (e) painted wood; (f) products known to be harmful to the environment; (g) rubber products including tires; (h) plastic products; (i) wood or paper products treated with chemical preservatives; (j) Household garbage. (k) Grass, weeds, tree limbs and brush in urban areas
Delegated authority – total ban (Section 7.1(h))
declare a total ban against outdoor burning when atmospheric conditions or local circumstances make such fires hazardous.
Fees (Section 8.1)
The fee for a permit shall be as prescribed in the Municipality's Fees and Charges By-law. Note: Current no fee for open-air burn permit
Permit validity (Sections 4.2–4.3)
A Non-Agricultural and Urban Recreational permit is valid for one full calendar year from date of issuance. An Agricultural Open Air Burn Permit is valid for is valid for one full calendar year from date of issuance.
A live readout of air quality, wind and fire danger for Arran-Elderslie — free, for any municipality, customer or not. See it and get the link.
By-laws change. This page summarises public documents and is not legal advice or permission to burn — Arran-Elderslie Fire & Emergency Services decides.