Can I burn today in Central Manitoulin?
Central Manitoulin’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
- 3:00 AM EDT Thursday 10 September 2026 · rating measured at the centre of Manitoulin District, which covers a wide area
A rating is not permission. Central Manitoulin requires a permit, and a fire ban can be declared at any time. Municipality of Central Manitoulin Fire Department decides — not this page.
As indicated on the Permit, issued during the Fire Season (April 1 - October 31); off-season (Nov 1 - Mar 31) burning also requires a filed and Fire-Chief-approved permit application per the 2023-20 amendment
Apply for a Burn Permit in person at the Municipal Office or via the Municipal website
Provide identification and complete the Burn Permit Application
Pay the $5.00 fee (per the Municipality's own live Fire Department page)
Comply with permit terms and by-law conditions (distance, hours, supervision).
Permit required during Fire Season (Section 2.4)
No Person shall set an Open-Air Fire during the Fire Season within the Municipality without having obtained a Burn Permit.
Distance from structures (Section 2.2)
No person shall set an Open-Air Fire within 8 metres of any structure or combustible object.
Burning hours (Section 2.6, as amended)
No Person shall set or continue an Open-Air Fire between the hours of 6:00 a.m. through to 6:00 p.m.
Weather/wind conditions (Section 2.10)
No Person shall set or tend a fire if the weather/wind conditions may cause the following: 2.10.1 A decrease in visibility on any highway. 2.10.2 The rapid spread of fire through grass, brush, forested area or where property is not intended to be burned. 2.10.3 An adverse impact on other Person(s) or property.
Fire Ban / Restricted Fire Zone (Section 2.11-2.12)
No Person shall set an Open-Air Fire or Campfire during a Municipal Fire Ban when the Fire Hazard Rating is rated as High or Extreme. No Person shall set an Open-Air Fire or Campfire in a Restricted Fire Zone.
Prohibited Area (definition, Section 1.22)
"Prohibited Area" means the Hamlet of Mindemoya, the Hamlet of Providence Bay, the Hamlet of Spring Bay, the Hodgins Subdivision, the Nelder Subdivision and the Carters Bay Planned Development area.
Campfire permit exemption (Section 5.3)
Campfires shall be Burn Permit exempt and shall be permitted in all areas provided, it is no greater than 48 inches (122 cm) in diameter in a Residential Zone, it is no greater than 26 inches (66 cm) in diameter in a Non-Residential Zone (Campgrounds & Trailer Parks only), surrounded by a non-combustible fire safety ring and is not more than 1 metre high.
Permit review timeline (Section 7.3)
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.
Amended burning hours (By-law 2023-20, Section 1)
That Section 3.8 be amended to read the following: The fire is started not earlier then two hours before sunset, and is extinguished not later then two hours after sunrise the following day, or earlier during the fire season April 1 to October 31.
New off-season notification requirement (By-law 2023-20, Section 2, adds Section 3.10)
The fire is started not earlier then two hours before sunset and is extinguished not later than two hours after sunrise the following day or earlier during November 1 to March 31, as per Ontario Outdoor Fires Regulation 207/96 s. 2.4. And furthermore, to include notification to the Municipality of burning activity by filing a burning permit application which must be approved by the Fire Chief.
A live readout of air quality, wind and fire danger for Central Manitoulin — 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 — Municipality of Central Manitoulin Fire Department decides.