Can I burn today in Billings?
Billings’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
- Sudbury
- Observed
- 5:00 PM EDT Wednesday 9 September 2026 · rating measured at the centre of Manitoulin District, which covers a wide area
A rating is not permission. Billings requires a permit, and a fire ban can be declared at any time. Billings Volunteer Fire Department (BVFD) decides — not this page.
As indicated on the Permit; the Township's own 'Daily Permit for Open-Air Fires' application form states burns are valid for one week from the indicated burn date
Complete the Township's editable Fire Burning Permit form and email it to the Township's Emergency Services contact (tbeckerton@billingstwp.ca) or apply in person
Identify the burn date, location, and material to be burned
Comply with the by-law's distance, supervision, wind, and material restrictions.
Adverse Wind Conditions (definition, Section 1.2)
"Adverse Wind Conditions" means excess wind or gusts that will blow embers outside of the burn pit area that is deemed likely to cause spread or start new fire outside of designated burn area.
Permit required for Open-Air Fires (Section 3.1)
No Person shall set an Open-Air Fire during the Fire Season unless an approved Burn Permit is obtained from the Township and that the Burn Permit identifies the Person authorized to perform the burn, the location of the burn, the date of the burn and the material to be burned.
Campfire distance from structures (Section 2.1)
No Person shall set a Campfire within 8 metres of any structure or combustible object.
Open-Air Fire distance from structures (Section 3.2)
No Person shall set an Open-Air Fire within 8 metres of any structure or combustible object.
Wind and visibility conditions (Section 3.9)
No Person shall set an Open-Air Fire in Adverse Wind Conditions or in conditions that cause a decrease in visibility on a highway.
Zoning restriction for burn barrels/incinerators (Section 8.1)
No Person shall use a Burn Barrel or an Incinerator for the purposes of burning within the Township unless the Burn Barrel or Incinerator is being used in an area designated as Agricultural (A), Rural (R) or Shoreline Residential (SR) as per Billings Township Official Plan and Zoning Bylaw.
Municipal Fire Ban definitions (Section 1.14.1-1.14.2)
"Municipal, Total Fire Ban" means a fire ban that is issued by the Township Fire Chief or Designate under the authority of the Fire Protection and Prevention Act S.O 1997, which bans the use of campfires, the use of open-air fires, the use of fireworks, the use of burn barrels, the use of incinerators, the use of a chiminea. "Municipal, Partial Fire Ban" means a fire ban that is issued by the Township Fire Chief or Designate... which allows the use of campfires.
Permit review timeline (Section 12.3)
The Burn Permit Application will be reviewed and approved or denied within 3 working days, by the Chief Fire Official or Designate, dependant on any restrictions, accuracy of information provided or other extenuating circumstances.
Permit validity (application form, Daily Permit for Open-Air Fires)
BURN DATE: (valid for one week from this date)
A live readout of air quality, wind and fire danger for Billings — 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 — Billings Volunteer Fire Department (BVFD) decides.