Can I burn today in Barrie?
Barrie’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
- Barrie
- Observed
- 2:00 AM EDT Thursday 10 September 2026 · rating measured at the centre of County of Simcoe, which covers a wide area
A rating is not permission. Barrie requires a permit, and a fire ban can be declared at any time. Barrie Fire and Emergency Services - Fire Prevention decides — not this page.
Daily (plus HST)
Call Barrie Fire Prevention to arrange payment and issuance of an Open-Air Burn Permit (processing takes roughly 3-5 business days)
A separate Outdoor Solid Fuel Burning Appliance (OSFBA) permit, applied for online via the City's APLI system, covers appliances like fire pits/chimineas under a different by-law ($24/calendar year, live figure).
Permit required (Section 3.1.1)
No person shall: set a fire, or permit a fire to burn without a permit;
Size limit (Section 3.1.2)
No person shall: set a fire, or permit a fire to burn in excess of 1 cubic meter in size;
Hours (Section 3.1.8)
No person shall: set a fire or permit a fire to burn between sunset of one day and sunrise of the next day, unless expressly authorized by a Burn Permit issued under the provisions of this by-law;
Setback and supervision (Sections 3.2.2-3.2.3)
ensure that the fire is kept at least 15 metres from any dwelling, structure or other combustible material; ensure that the fire is attended at all times by a responsible person at least 18 years of age and shall ensure that such person attends to such fire until the fire is completely extinguished;
Fee (Section 4.2)
The applicant shall together with his application and at the time of application, forward payment in the amount as established from time to time in the City's User Fee By-law.
Burn ban (Section 5.1)
Notwithstanding the provisions of this by-law, the Fire Chief may institute a burn ban at any time, as may be deemed necessary to protect the natural environment, and no person shall be entitled to a burn permit during a burn ban.
Exemption (Section 6.1.1)
No permit shall be required for, and the provisions of this by-law shall not apply, to: a fire wholly contained within a barbecue used for the preparation of food for human consumption; or
Penalty (Section 10.1)
Every person who contravenes any provision of this by-law is guilty of an offence, and liable on conviction to a penalty not exceeding $5,000, exclusive of costs and the provisions of the Provincial Offences Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. P.33, as amended, shall apply to the said fine.
A live readout of air quality, wind and fire danger for Barrie — 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 — Barrie Fire and Emergency Services - Fire Prevention decides.