Can I burn today in Bayham?
Bayham’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
- Port Stanley
- Observed
- 3:00 AM EDT Thursday 10 September 2026 · rating measured at the centre of Elgin County, which covers a wide area
A rating is not permission. Bayham requires a permit, and a fire ban can be declared at any time. Bayham Fire Department / Municipal Office decides — not this page.
1 year (per the Municipality's current live Burn Permits page)
Apply at the Municipal Office (56169 Heritage Line, Straffordville) for a Burn Permit, which per the Municipality's current live Burn Permits webpage costs $50 and covers the applicant for the year
Payment accepted by cash, cheque, debit (in person), or e-transfer to payments@bayham.on.ca. Certain small exempt fires (cooking fires, chimineas, construction/maintenance flame appliances, other flaming devices) do not require a permit if their specific conditions in Sections 3-4 are met.
Restrictions on burning (Section 2.1-2.2)
2.1 No person shall set or maintain an Open-Air fire except; 2.1.1 an Exempt fire as described in Section 3 of this By-law; or 2.1.2 as is permitted under the conditions of an issued Burning Permit as defined in Section 5 of this By-law. 2.2 No person shall set or maintain any Open-Air fire where the fuel is any material other than those materials outlined in Schedule "A", forming part of this By-law.
Flying lantern prohibition (Section 2.4)
No person shall set off, or cause to be set off, at any time, any Flying Lanterns anywhere in the Municipality of Bayham.
Exempt cooking fires (Section 3.1)
A charcoal, compressed gas, or wood fire, that is only large enough for the cooking purpose described below, and is confined within a barbecue or grill that is constructed of metal, ceramic, stone, or masonry, and that is exclusively designed for and being used for the cooking of food for human consumption, and is continuously supervised by a Responsible Person.
Chiminea exemption (Section 3.6)
A fire in a Chiminea on any privately owned lands provided that such fire meets all of the following: 3.6.1.1 is in an Urban Area and no portion of the hearth of the Chiminea is more than 61 centimeters (24 inches) in diameter... 3.6.1.5 the fire is controlled such that flames and hot embers do not pose an undue risk of fire to any Combustible materials; and 3.6.1.6 the fire is attended and supervised at all times by a Responsible Person.
Clearances on exempt fires (Section 4.2)
The fire shall be located a distance of at least 4 meters (13.1 feet) horizontally and 10 meters (32.8 feet) below any portion of any Combustible structure or accumulation of Combustible materials.
Burn permit issuance and setbacks (Section 5.1)
The Fire Chief or designate shall issue written Burn Permits to owners of property in a Rural Area, or to the Authorized Agent of the owner of such property, permitting a Responsible Person to burn Schedule A materials, under all of the following conditions... 5.1.5 The size of any pile of materials to be burned: 5.1.5.1 shall not exceed 9 square meters (96.84 square feet) in area and 2 meters (78.75 inches) in height... 5.1.5.2 in the case of an area zoned Agricultural, shall not exceed 36 square meters (387.36 square feet) in area and 2 meters (78.75 inches) in height.
Burn hours (Section 5.1.6)
The days of the week and the hours of the day during which the Burn Permit is valid are indicated on the permit. Burning shall not be allowed between 1/2 hour after sunset and 1/2 hour before sunrise unless specifically approved under an exemption.
A live readout of air quality, wind and fire danger for Bayham — 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 — Bayham Fire Department / Municipal Office decides.