Can I burn today in Cobalt?
Cobalt’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)
- No station near here
- Observed
- rating measured at the centre of Timiskaming District, which covers a wide area
A rating is not permission. Cobalt requires a permit, and a fire ban can be declared at any time. Cobalt Fire Department decides — not this page.
Annual (spring inspection required before approval)
Annual (spring inspection required before approval)
Download and complete the Fire Permit Application PDF, submit it with payment to the Town office
Permits are only processed after a spring inspection.
Permit required (Section 3.1)
A person may conduct an Open Air Burning in an outdoor fireplace if the person has been issued a permit by Chief Fire Official or designate and if the person complies with all the terms and conditions set out in this By-Law.
Permit-free without authorization (Section 3.2)
In the absence of being issued a permit, an owner shall be deemed to have permitted a fire to burn and the owner assumes all responsibility and liability where a fire has been set or permitted to burn in the open air.
Outdoor fireplace conditions (Section 3.6(a))
the fire is set or maintained during the time period between 6:00pm and midnight. No person shall conduct an open-air burn at any time in a fire restricted time; ... it is located at a distance of not less than 4.5 meters between the fireplace and any building or structure, property line, tree, hedge, fence, roadway, overhead wires, or other combustible article; ... there is no rain or fog and the wind velocity is not greater than 15 kilometers per hour as reported by Environment Canada.
Cooking fire conditions (Section 3.6(b))
the fire is set or maintained during the time period between 6:00pm and midnight; ... the fire is not more than 0.3 meters by 0.3 meters in size and not more than 0.3 meters in height; ... there is no rain or fog and wind velocity is not greater than 10 kilometers per hour as reported by Environment Canada.
Controllable fire (up to 1 cubic metre) setbacks (Section 3.6(c)(i))
All such fires shall be at least: a. 150 metres from any dwelling; and b. 50 metres from any building structure; and c. 100 metres from any highway or public road.
Fire ban / restricted fire zone (Sections 3.8-3.9)
No person shall set or maintain any permitted fire when a burning ban or fire ban has been issued by the Chief Fire Official. This includes the discharge of fireworks. No person shall conduct an open air burn at any time in a Ministry of Natural Resources declared fire restricted zone(s). This includes the discharge of fireworks.
Exemptions (Part 4)
The following are exempt from the provisions of this By-Law: a) an outdoor cooking device; and b) a gas-fired outdoor campfire device.
Fees (Part 5)
The fee for a permit issued under this By-Law shall identified in the User Fees By-Law as established and amended from time to time.
Penalties (Section 6.1)
Any person who contravenes any of the provisions of this By-Law is guilty of an offence and: a) upon a first conviction is subject to a minimum fine of $100.00 and a maximum fine of $5,000.00; and b) upon a subsequent conviction is subject to a minimum fine of $500.00 and a maximum fine of $10,000.00.
Permit application (Appendix 2) - burning hours
BURNING PERMITTED FROM 6PM TO MIDNIGHT ONLY
A live readout of air quality, wind and fire danger for Cobalt — 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 — Cobalt Fire Department decides.