Can I burn today in Cambridge?
Cambridge’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
- Kitchener
- Observed
- 3:00 PM EDT Wednesday 9 September 2026 · rating measured at the centre of Regional Municipality of Waterloo, which covers a wide area
A rating is not permission. Cambridge requires a permit, and a fire ban can be declared at any time. Cambridge Fire Department decides — not this page.
Per approval terms set by the Fire Chief or designate; may be cancelled at any time
Submit a written request for an open-air burning permit to the Fire Chief or designate, accompanied by the fee set annually in the City's Rate Review. Small supervised cooking/BBQ fires and fires on agriculturally-zoned land do not need a permit.
Approval required (Section 1)
No person shall set out or cause to be set out any open-air fire unless approved by the Cambridge Fire Chief or designate.
Residential zoning restriction (Section 2)
The Fire Chief or designate may refuse approval of any open fire in any area zoned residential.
Commercial/industrial zoning (Section 3)
The Fire Chief or designate may approve of any open fire in any area zoned commercial or industrial provided the fire complies with the Ministry of the Environment Open Air Burning Guidelines.
Application and fee (Section 5)
Any person requesting an open-air burning permit shall do so in writing, to the Fire Chief or designate, and any requests shall be accompanied by the fee prescribed in the Rate Review as adopted annually by Council.
Distance and volume limits (Sections 9, 10)
No person shall set a fire within 153 metres of a building. ... No person shall burn in excess of one cubic metre of material at one time.
Weather restriction (Section 12)
No person shall burn on days where rain, fog, or any weather condition prevents the dispersal of smoke.
Exemptions (Sections 14, 15)
This by-law shall not apply to any small, confined fire, supervised at all times, and used to cook food on a grill or a barbeque. ... This by-law shall not apply to any open-air fires set out on lands zoned agricultural.
Penalty (Section 16)
Any person who contravenes any of the provisions of this by-law shall, upon conviction, forfeit and pay a penalty not exceeding two thousand dollars exclusive of costs, for each offence and the penalty shall be recoverable pursuant to the Provincial Offences Act.
A live readout of air quality, wind and fire danger for Cambridge — 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 — Cambridge Fire Department decides.